Demonstrations and riots

Arab Fried Chicken 

It was another night of riots. Muslims refused to enter the Al Aqsa Mosque because Israeli police had placed metal detectors at the entrance. They do not want to pass through these detactors, claiming it's a jewish ploy to control the Mosque. That of course is ridiculous ... everyone including jews pass through metal detectors at the Wailing Wall and the airport and many other places. Muslim extremists are simply using the detectors as an excuse to stir up trouble in the most sensitive of spots ...   http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Inside-the-campaign-to-exploit-recent-Jerusalem-terror-and-fan-a-new-round-of-violence-500027

Tomorrow the muslim leaders are calling for a "day of rage" which means shops and services going on strike, and violence in the streets. Don't know how much this will be heeded as we in the Old City are sick of this violence and want some peace and quiet to get on with our lives.   http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4990933,00.html

The violence by the way has spread. Last night it went all the way down to the Kidron Valley and also up the Mt. of Olives. Bethlehem  in the south and Qalandya in the north also had demonstrations.  By Friday we expect the demonstrations to be widespread ... the Al Aqsa Mosque is a unifying force and symbol for the muslims.

Figs are in season

Despite the violence, the police have reduced their presence and opened the Gates. Movement is much more free than it was. A student and I thought we'd take advantage of this and go to eat some Arab Fried Chicken just outside Herod's Gate. It was quite crowded ... well after 3 days being forced to closed and many people had no food at home. We had an enjoyable lunch ... a good break from the tensions. Then we went to buy fruit and biscuits. We have to stock up because the violence tomorrow till Saturday might force us to stay indoors and we'll have no food. Figs are now in season ... but they cannot be kept for 3 days, so I didn't buy them.