Weekend

Damascus Gate barricaded

Yesterday Friday was tense. Thousands of muslims from the country came into the Old City to pray at the Al Aqsa mosque. To avoid demonstrations and riots, the police blockaded the arena of Damascus Gate. Only 2 ways were opened for people to exit the area. It kept the crowds in line but the queue was long and tedious. Elsewhere outside Jerusalem clashes were violent and 4 arabs were killed. Today the police expect no less trouble. I hope I don't have to go out as I don't want to get caught in the violence.  https://www.timesofisrael.com/security-forces-brace-for-renewed-palestinian-demonstrations/   and   https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5057416,00.html   One newspaper put it succinctly (a rightwing paper!!) - 3 years of relative calm shattered by Trump's speech    http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Three-years-of-relative-quiet-shattered-by-Trumps-Jerusalem-declaration-518117

At our school foyer in front of
my office

I came home at 8pm last night ... early by normal standards. It was cold and I was very tired and hungry. I had just finished an intensive meeting which even this evening I must follow up. I have a fever and my gums are swollen and I cannot bite or chew. Instead for dinner I took some yoghurt and diced fruit. The gums have been swollen for 3 days now. My nose was bleeding as well all day yesterday. And my throat is very painful. I hope it's not some kind of virus.

It's that time of year when Christmas decorations are put up in school and inside the common places in our house. Pretty tacky. I prefer simplicity but some people just cannot do with flashing lights and gaudy paper and plastic stuff. Awful. Meantime people from outside Jerusalem are asking if it'll be safe to go to Bethlehem for Christmas. No one can really answer that ... things are volatile and situations can change from hour to hour. We just hope all will calm down by Christmas.