Terrorist attack

This morning we woke up to gunshots fired close by ... well I was awake by then ... and I heard it too. Two gunshots. A terrorist had entered the guard post at Lions' Gate (200 meters away) and stabbed 2 police. He was shot dead immediately. Let's hope this is not what summer will be like. We are tired of violence, tired of road closures, tired of stop-and-search checks. We just want to live normal lives.  http://www.jerusalemonline.com/news/politics-and-military/military/terror-attack-in-jerusalem-2-police-officers-injured-27202

Another news hitting the headlines - the Rajah Bomoh in Malaysia - a muslim sorcerer - has been casting spells and fighting spiritual warfare against North Korea. People here are squeamish about these things ... it seems to contradict Islam.
 http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysian-shaman-raja-bomoh-performs-another-ritual-over-kim-jong-nams-death?utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&xtor=CS1-10#link_time=1489414456

Purim party at Safra Square

And Purim continues ... today it is celebrated in Jerusalem. Today is the actual date. Sweet parties were everywhere even though it's not a national holiday. Offices remained opened although schools were closed. Crowds were packing the City centre ... bands were playing and performers were entertaining at every street corner. Safra Square ... which is the Municipality Plaza ... held a party but security were there to check everyone before entering. There were bubble blowers ... and soap buckets were placed throughout the garden so children (and adults) could make bubbles. A band was playing at the entrance of the Plaza. There were dancers, stilt-walkers and all sorts of other stuff. And last night ... well the music went on and on ... so loud that we in East Jerusalem could hear it even till 5am.

Damascus Gate last night

The weather however was still cold and drizzly though. The full moon was hidden behind storm clouds. But it did not dampen the Purim partying. There was a lot of drinking as well ... today the streets were littered with broken bottles and vomit. Even today at 5pm when I walked home from school, there was a young man on his hands and feet in the middle of the street, vomiting. His companion was standing next to him holding a bottle of alcohol. Dreadful.