Feast of the Sacrifice

Arab horses in the park

Yesterday and today the northern and southern frontiers have been very quiet. Even locally there has been a lull after the stabbing attack on Sunday. We did have one big surprise though ... the muslim feast of Adha started one day early. Instead of Tuesday evening, the muezzins were chanting on Monday evening the Allah Akbar which signals the start of the feast. We non-muslims were caught by surprise as shops closed for over 24 hours. The whole of East Jerusalem was like a deserted city. An hour before muslim prayers though, thousands of muslim pilgrims flowed into the Old City into the Al Aqsa Mosque. Then after the prayers everyone disappeared again.

In the evening, arab youths began to bring their horses and donkeys into the park outside Damascus Gate. It's a bedouin thing .... rides are offered to children and youths race their horses across the hilly park. The police are on standby closely but they allow the horseplay to continue.

Little girl playing in the fountain

Today the 2nd day of the feast, shops reopen and makeshift stalls open throughout the streets selling food and balloons. Palm Plaza is packed with muslim families. It's so hot during the day, children swim in the fountains and the police close an eye. A little tolerance helps in reducing tensions and makes our society more liveable.

But some unease can still be felt as Israel has granted permits to thousands of israeli civilians to carry guns, eve those who have no experience using it. It's seen as a deterrent to terrorists ... but who knows how guns could be used. Another news reports that thousands of homes will be built in settlements inside arab land as well .... something that does not go well in peace talks.