Tensions

Beggars & peddlers at
Damascus Gate

Today is Nakba Day. No major incidents in Jerusalem but there were massive demonstrations at the Gaza border and other palestinian border areas and cities. Many were wounded in clashes with Israeli police. I think tonight here in Jerusalem something will happen. That's my journalist instinct kicking in ... I'll be out there to watch. Dangerous ... perhaps a little when crowds stampede and police start shooting stun grenades and tear gas. But its definitely not as dangerous as Jerusalem Day when extremist zionist jews flood down to East Jerusalem to beat up arabs and burn their property ... and that'll be on June 1-2. Security helicopters have been circling us in the early mornings ... I guess it was preventive. Anyway the crowds are big and Israel has taken the risk of letting everyone enter the Old City and the Al Aqsa Mosque. However on June 1-2 the police will close the mosque to israelis who celebrate Jerusalem Day ... as it is too sensitive and violence will definitely erupt. This whole week is so full of tensions ... it's too much to take in. I need a break and get out of this City. However Tel Aviv is not an alternative because of the Eurovision Song contest. It's packed with people ... some to get entertained ... but many also there to protest and call for boycotts. It's so full of tension as well.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/thousands-of-palestinians-mark-nakba-with-gaza-protests-west-bank-marches/

My 1st passion flower

The weather has been awfully hot ... 30 degrees today. There's still a bit of hamsin in the air and many people are coughing and wheezing and I have small attacks of asthma. It's summer. Students are preparing for exams and the school year should end in a couple of weeks. Then it's the summer vacation for 2 months ... and working parents try to put their children into summer camps so the kids are not locked up at home. Unfortunately not all can afford the cost of a summer camp so many kids will be left drifting in the streets for 2 months.

I've decided to stay home today to avoid any clashes and the heat. And I had alot to do as the workers had come to install the new elevator and put the glass panels in place. Yes I've opted for a glass elevator so anyone stuck inside can be seen immediately. We had some very bad experiences with our old elevator. This time I'm not taking any chances.

Well yes it's hot but it's good for the summer plants. My first Passion flower blossomed this morning. I'm hoping to reap some fruit in autumn.