Terror attaempt

Crowds gathering in front of police
station

I could hear police and ambulance sirens blaring at 3.45pm from my office. But I didn't go out till an hour later. People were telling of the chaos in the streets ... police blocking roads, cars crashing into one another, tram crashing into cars ... well nothing of that when I went out of my office on the way home. But the roads were all closed and the traffic jam was unbelievable. Something serious must have happened. Police at every corner ... anyone looking below 25 yrs old were stopped and checked. 4 mounted police paced up and down Damascus Gate. Crowds walked quickly to avoid the police or any clash.

Police at Damascus Gate roundabout

I walked down Herod's Gate and there were crowds gathering around the police station. No chants or protests ... just crowds waiting for something to happen. And there were lots and lots of police there. Inside Herod's Gate, another large group of police stopped and checked every youth, male or female, going in or out. It was very tense. No one spoke in a loud voice as they usually do in my neighbourhood. Just scurrying to avoid being stopped by the police. I asked some locals I know, what happened and there were many versions of the story. Apparently an arab youth on a bicycle tried to stab a police at Bab Hutta (near St. Anne's Church). He was shot by the police. A rapid search led to the arrest of 2 other youths believed to be collaborators. Well the hunt continues and I believe in the night the police will be raiding homes. Very tense.  https://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Stabbing-attack-in-the-Old-City-in-Jerusalem-Report-606077

The storm yesterday has led to a profusion of flying ants along the coastal cities. Newspapers are talking about an invasion. Well here in Jerusalem I've not see flying ants since 30 years back ... that's how dry it's been. Give me rain! Give me flying ants! Our poor geckos are starving!!   https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5614708,00.html