Of Status Quo ladders and Sushi-doughnuts

The Status Quo
ladder 

There has been a sudden surge in tourist numbers these few days. The street at our place is packed with foreigners ... both western and asian. I guess it's because it's the low season so things are cheaper. Soon Easter will be celebrated by both western and eastern churches (this year the julian and gregorian calendars coincide) so lots of pilgrims will be coming. I know that all religious hostels are fully booked by now.

I managed to spend a few minutes at the Holy Sepulcher yesterday morning. I wanted to see the cleaned dome of the Empty Tomb  and also to pray for you all. The Status Quo ladder was up across the entrance as at every Lent. Nobody remembers why it was there hundreds of years ago but because of the Status Quo law, the ladder is brought out every Lent by the Franciscans and remains there till Easter.

Outside church circles, the news of the country are picking up tempo after a lackluster weekend. Following Trump's travel ban, Israel has now approved a travel ban on critics of the State. That means activists and objectors of Israel's policies especially regarding the settlements in Palestine will be refused entry to the country. http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-1.775743

Alarming news is also cited in all newspapers - the level of the Sea of Galilee is at the lowest in a century. The drought has reached its peak and there will be no water for us this year. Desalination plants will not be able to provide the needs of the people. Farmers have warned that their crops will die hence prices of food will rise. I think in summer all the religious leaders will be asking their followers to fast and pray for rain. We've been doing that several times now this decade.  http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4931746,00.html

And horror of horrors ... there's a fad in Tel Aviv of sushi-doughnuts sold at a swanky Japanese restaurant. Just take a look at the pic. It looks disgusting. Still locals here are clamoring for more of it.   https://happyintlv.net/item/sushi-donuts-tel-aviv-kosher/

Dove and nest at
St. Saviour
monastery

On a positive note, the Hebrew University at Jerusalem made a brave step by recognizing the credits and matriculation results (called tawjihi in arabic) of students from arabic and palestinian schools. The students no longer have to sit for an entrance exam to apply for a place at the Hebrew University.  Fantastic. I don't believe in academic boycott, which many western academic institutions are supporting and practicing against Israel. Education is the means of change ... by boycotting Israeli universities and activities, it perpetuates isolationism which leads to narrow mind-mindedness. Students should be challenged to think beyond their circles and accept the views, sometimes opposing, of others.  http://www.timesofisrael.com/in-first-hebrew-university-to-accept-palestinian-authority-test-scores/

 And on the lighter side  I had a surprise when I saw a dove that built a nest over the head of the Virgin Mary (a tiled fresco on the wall of our cloister at St. Savior Monastery). The fresco is the Annunciation and the angel Gabriel is announcing the motherhood of Mary "... the Holy Spirit will over-shadow you and you shall bear a son ...". Couldn't resist photographing it. had a good laugh.