PM Lee in Jerusalem

The bus bomb the other day south of Jerusalem, in the suburb of Talpiot, has brought back dreaded memories of the Intifada. Luckily (sic) it was an amateur attempt, wrongly timed so few serious casualties. It was planted in an empty bus and the explosion only affected the other bus behind ... with 17 hurt by shrapnel and glass.

Full moon over
Damascus Gate

Despite this, the big news is that Singapore PM Lee HL is here in Jerusalem. In fact right at this moment he is in the Al Aqsa Mosque opposite my house. Security is super tight in the Old City as he crosses on to the Wailing Wall. I doubt he'll go to the Holy Sepulcher. In public PM Lee spoke publicly about Singapore's defense rapport with Israel ... something taboo for the past 50 years. And it was mentioned that Lt. Gen. Winston Choo is the ambassador to Israel ... something I never knew. But he's non-resident in Israel ... so how do I get in touch to renew my passport?

The infighting among jewish rabbis is escalating. The ultra-orthodox who hold the Chief Rabbinate is now blacklisting orthodox and conservatism rabbis .... effectively declaring them invalid so they cannot perform marriages, conversions etc... that pertain to jewish life. The backlash will be quick and painful ... especially from American jews who are for most part are progressive, liberal or reform. The Chief Rabbinate does not consider them jews at all. When they stop donating money, the sting will puncture the ultra-orthodox bubble.

The Oratory

And talking about donations, thanks a million for the kind donations to the Chinese Sisters' Convent. Everything is in place and the sisters have started their work. First success: a university student has requested catechism and baptism later this year. They have also other students gathered once a week for prayers, sharing and a meal once a month. More activities will be organized. The sisters will also be praying for you all daily in Jerusalem.

Today the Samaritans celebrate their Passover. The moon is full. But the jews prefer to wait till tomorrow to make sure the moon is totally full.