Crowds everywhere

Full moon over Damascus Gate

Drums of war are beating louder and louder at the Gaza border. We got news this morning that gazans were warned of an imminent war with Israel. Gaza is at breaking point due to the Israeli blockade and the US cutting of funds to the UNHCR, and Fatah pulling out of Gaza hence there is no more source of money, food, medicine or even political leverage. The only way is to start a war with Israel in the hope of getting some concessions. Militants and arms are being moved to the border, I was told. The casualties in Gaza will be high ... as its people are already starving and dying without medicines. They have no place to run should Israel begin shelling the enclave.   https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-prepares-for-war-as-gaza-situation-worsens-report/

Crowded streets at midnight

Meantime Jerusalem, though tense, continues to be a playground for the Sukkot feast. People continue to fete till 4 or 5am. The noise they make are keeping residents awake. Crowds are everywhere ... looks like the whole of Israel is here in Jerusalem.  It will be a long weekend this week as the Sabbath begins tonight and ends on Saturday night but the last day of Sukkot begins on Sunday evening and into Monday sunset. So for 4 days almost all shops and offices will be closed. We'll have to go to East Jerusalem to buy our necessities.  

I will soon finish the month long retreat conference with the MC sisters. It is very very exhausting. But I hope the 20 sisters gained something and most of all, rested here in Jerusalem.