5th day of Sukkoth

Jaffa Street junction filled with people
celebrating Sukkoth

There have been minor incidents of stone throwing followed by police arrests but nothing major to warrant closures of the City Gates or Quarters. There is a heavy military presence but there were no provocations. It seems this year's Sukkoth is passing off rather peacefully.

Yesterday thousands of fundamentalist and zionist christians held their annual Sukkoth parade in downtown New City. The govt loves them because they bring in lots of money and moral support. But traditional jews view them suspiciously as proselytizers and corrupters of Judaism. In fact the rabbis decry the parade and warn jews not to join in. Nevertheless money speaks loudest. I have never seen Jerusalem so filled with "Sukkoth christians" as this year. And they revel late into the night. Shops and restaurants are very very happy. The economy is receiving a much needed boost.

Unfortunately not everyone is rejoicing this feast day. Teachers held a protest to demand their salaries. There has been a big cut in tier wages and many teachers are struggling to live daily. http://www.jerusalemonline.com/news/in-israel/local/teachers-protest-against-moe-24281

4000 arab and jewish women march
for peace (pic from HaAretz)

Thousands of women who had marched some 300 kms from the north of Israel arrived at the Prime Minister's house in Jerusalem and protested for peace. They demanded the govt to make peace with the Palestinians ... and among the marchers were survivors and victims of terror attacks, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and many mothers who simply want to live peacefully with the arabs. Almost half the number was arab women while the other half jewish. It's very touching that survivors of terrorist attacks did not seek revenge but understanding that terrorism will end if the arabs are treated justly.  http://www.jerusalemonline.com/news/in-israel/local/thousands-attend-jerusalem-womens-peace-rally-24296  and  http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-1.748288

Let's hope that this rare peace we're experiencing this Sukkoth permeates into the political realm and everyone gets his wish .... true peace.