Laylat el Qadr

Muslim worshippers in the Al Aqsa
compound praying last night
(stock pic from Internet)

Last night was the Laylat el Qadr ... the night when muslims believe the first verses of the Koran was revealed to Muhammed, and when the heavens open and sins are forgiven. The eastern side of the Old City was packed with thousands of worshippers going into the Al Aqsa Mosque to pray ... and they stay the whole night. Imams preached the entire night on the public system, and people were flocking the streets. I didn't think I could get home from work ... but proper timing is the key. I waited till about 9pm when the crowds were either home eating or at the Al Aqsa compound eating ... the streets were much less crowded and I walked home. it was still difficult to get home ... but the traffic was at least moving. Blockages occurred only when women stopped in the middle of the street to look at clothes and handbags and other stuff shops were selling. Just 2 women stopping is enough to block the traffic, causing a jam up to 50 metres behind. I think the municipality should open only Damascus Gate to women to walk next year, and the other gates for men so we can move on without hindrance. What a tiresome bother. Israeli riot police were at standby but nothing serious occurred except for flaring tempers when women stop to shop ... oblivious to the shouts and pushing all around them. Shopping must have a narcotic effect on these women, it dulls their senses to their surroundings but their senses sharpen at the object to buy.

Hours before Laylat el Qadr
police blocked off the walkway
to Damascus Gate because
crowds were spilling into
the tram tracks, blocking
the trams.

There was tragedy in Bethlehem yesterday when at least 1 christian died. Apparently 2 muslim families got into a fight over parking space, one stabbed the other; and in a revenge attack the victim's family torched the perpetrators house which was at the ground floor of a building. Families in the upper floors were christians and couldn't get out as smoke rose upwards. One christian lady jumped from the balcony and died when she hit the street.

It's only 3 more nights before the end of Ramadan, and the crowds will get even bigger. I'm still trying to plan a getaway for these few days as I can take no more stress. But with my luck, nothing will work.