First day of school

Yesterday was the first day of school. New students were introduced to the library and how it functions. Then it was overseeing the new rhythm of work in both libraries. It was hectic and I still am very exhausted from it. Have been having fainting spells these few days .... still not sure if it's the shoulder problem or fatigue. I had to squat down twice on my way home because I felt I was going to faint ... and fainting on the main road next to the tramway is not safe ... primarily because you'll get robbed before any medical help arrives.

High security in front
of Ecce Homo convent

So it's not just arabs who riot. I just read the online news that last Sabbath, ultra-orthodox jews also rioted in their neighborhood. Police had arrested one of their number because he did not report for drafting into compulsory military service. The ultra-orthodox do not recognize the State of Israel and refuse to do military service even though the law requires it. So far they have avoided prosecution all these 50 years ... but now the govt has stepped in to enforce the law. Some have joined the army but the ultra-orthodox community consider them traitors. Last Sabbath a busload of ultra-orthodox soldiers were forced to get off a bus and walk to their station as ultra-orthodox jews rioted against them.  http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4865311,00.html

Also read yesterday that the Pope is creating Archbishop Emeritus of Kuala Lumpur, Msgr. Soter Fernandez a cardinal. Wow. That's a first in our region. However it's an honorary cardinalate since the archbishop is well over the voting age limit. Note that only he and the Bangladeshi bishop have been made cardinals in Asia ... both from muslim countries. That's a statement.

News just coming in: Israeli secret service thwarts bombing suicide plans by Hamas. Apparent Hamas has a whole series of plans to terrorise Israel. http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israel-thwarts-Hamas-plan-to-detonate-suicide-bomb-on-bus-in-Jerusalem-469919

Tonight Yom Kippur begins. The Palestinian Territories have been closed off since last night. So has the Muslim Quarter of the Old City. Massive police presence. I don't want to be locked out from home so I think I'll go home early from work.