Summer camps and free movies

Open air theatre at the
Italian Synagogue

Yes my guess about the big restructuring project at Damascus Gate was correct ... it's part of the new security measurements need out by the govt. Today a huge computer was installed at the tunnel exit in front of our door. I asked why ... the answer - they're installing 40 extra security cameras in our street. It's a daunting future for us living in this area ... we're being watched every second.

The Italian Synagogue is hosting an open air film session during summer. They have a small arena in the piazza and at one corner they set up a screen. Abe several balloon clouds call attention to passersby of this weekly event. Nice public service. Last night they showed a Harry Potter movie.

Summer camp at the public park

Summer camps have started in the arab areas of Israel. It's organised after Ramadan so it won't disrupt the fasting. Most families pay some US$500 for their kids to join their school's summer camp. Not everyone can afford. For those who can afford more, they'd join the camps of other institutes such as the YMCA. but for the vast majority who are poor, there is no summer camp or at most one organised by the muslim schools. This morning I saw a group of kids at one such camp ... being poor they cannot afford going to swimming pools or learn karate or computer classes. All they had was the public park where they played games and ate a picnic lunch from a plastic bag. The difference between them and those who can afford summer camps in hotels could not be more stark.  My dream is to organise a summer camp for those who cannot afford at all ...  for free ... for those kids who have never and will probably never join a camp because they're too poor for such luxuries.