Full moon and free concerts

Full moon over Damascus Gate

I still have no news about the lost old lady in Ben Gurion airport. Her name on the passport is Anna Kadoorie which I presume must belong to the famous Kadoorie family in Singapore and Hong Kong. Strange that Israeli security never contacted that family. I hope she's alright.

There's been a step up in security today in the streets. Not sure why. But as I came home from mass at the Ivrea convent at 7am there were many police stationed at various places in and around the Old City. Maybe it's because Palestinian schools have started the new semester. Lots of arab students are entering the Old City to attend school and maybe security is afraid some altercation might happen. And now that the weather is cooling down ... about 21 degrees in the nights ... more people tend to go out and again there's chance of trouble starting among the crowds.

Tourists ignore the moon and photo-
graph the fountain instead

Anyway talking about schools for arabs ... the Israeli gov is pumping lots of money to upgrade the much neglected East Jerusalem schools. Arabs immediately protest that it's israeli brainwashing that'll be introduced into the arab schools. Well I think it's the best idea so far ... education is the key. The very low quality of education in arab govt-funded schools have churned out drop-outs, unemployed youths who cause trouble. With a proper education they will be able to find work and own a house. Once they have vested interests to protect, they will not risk losing it through violence. Smart move. I say Israeli should pump money to upgrade the facilities and also quality of teachers. That is the first step to peace.    https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-critics-five-year-plan-for-e-j-lem-focuses-on-israelization-1.6429472

Healthwise I am still breathless and easily tired ... but I think it's more from the weather then health. But the ankle still hurts. I have only a week left before I start a one month retreat. That means no more summer activities like concerts and festivals. Last night I was again cheapo by sitting across the valley listening to a concert of traditional musicians. Entry fees are getting more expensive for these events and more cheapos like me are gathering near the concert venues to listen free of charge. Last night the security blocked off all roads near the venue so my usual free-of-charge site was off-limits. Many like me had to climb up further the hill to hear (not see) the concert.