Clashes

Clashes at Damascus Gate

So the "Deal of the Century" was announced and the result was what we expected. Riots and clashes occurred in various spots around the country. But not as massive or violent as we had expected. The Palestinian authorities had called for restraint ... knowing full well that if they lose control of the riots, they stand to lose everything ... from negotiations upper hand to moral authority to political support from outside.

Last night as I was coming home at 6pm, there were several small clashes between arabs and Israeli police. Crowds were running uphill toward me while mounted police chased them. Twice. Arabs were chanted slogans and the road to East Jerusalem was closed by the police. I stood by the road for over an hour watching the ebb and flow ... and of course photographing all that happened. The media were also there at every corner including mobile satellite units for live coverage. Everyone is saying tomorrow Friday will see more clashes on a bigger scale. I'm not sure if I should go to work tomorrow .... then again the police might close our street so I won't have to decide.

Strawberries for sale

The weather on the other hand was marvelous yesterday and today. Bright and shiny but cold. I haven't seen any almond blossoms yet ... which usually are the harbingers of Spring. But cyclamen and narcissus are blooming ... and strawberries are in abundance. I haven't asked how much a kilo of strawberries cost yet ... the first harvest is always expensive.

The Wuhan virus is scaring many people here ... though locals care more about image than their own health. They won't wear masks. And though the number of chinese tourists have dropped drastically ... there are still groups here with some people sneezing and coughing away without wearing masks or covering their mouths. It's intolerable these chinese tourists who have no sense of civic responsibility.