Extreme heat ... in weather and in society

pigeons cooling off at
sprinklers 

Yesterday the nation woke up shocked, in disbelief and anger as news of the double violent attacks by jews rocked all starts of society: israeli and arab, right and left, liberal and orthodox. It sunk in ... but as the newspapers say, it'll end in nothing.

The first attack by ultra-orthodox jews on 6 jewish marchers at the Jerusalem Pride Parade shocked Israeli society because a jew had tried to kill other jews - baseless hatred, which the Talmud (jewish holy book) says was the cause of the destruction of the 2nd Temple. Even the rabbis were aghast at it ... not that they approved of the Parade though. But a jew killing another jew is beyond their comprehension.

Then the burning to death of an 18 mth old arab baby while his parents and 4 yr old brother are in critical condition drew international condemnation ... though not as much as Cecil the Lion. Jewish settlers burnt their house with the family sleeping in it as a revenge for the Israeli govt demolishing illegal Israeli settlements in arab land. Innocent victims. The funeral of the baby was attended by thousands. Riots throughout the Palestinian Territories, at the borders with Israel and even Jerusalem took place yesterday. Some were violent. Even rightist parties and rabbis condemned the killing of an innocent baby ... but so far no arrests have been made. It is shocking.

Tel Aviv beach renovated

Now society is deeply disturbed. Arabs and jews avoid each other, jews are suspicious of other jews  who hold different views. People avoid talking to each other except for friends their loyalty they can count on. It will take a long time for these wounds to heal. Demonstrations by jews and arabs against these violence and hatred took place throughout the country. The uncle of the baby spoke in Tel Aviv, calling for an end to these killings of arabs by jewish fanatics. Remember it was only a year ago that a 16 yr old arab boy was burnt alive just north of Jerusalem, by the settler movement youths.

The emotional heat in society is reflected in the heatwave we're experiencing. Forecast is one week of extreme temp. going up to the 40s. It's so hot the pigeons by the beach were soaking under the sprinklers to stay cool. And the central beach in Tel Aviv had palm trees planted to provide shade, new and more gazebos were put up and shaded promenades were installed. If only Israeli / arab society could be solved as easily.