Purim

Purim fun

The week has begun and the country is preparing for tonight's feast of Purim. Already last weekend festivities have taken place in Tel Aviv .... which is really out-of-this-world because the costumes they wear are utterly original. And very very fun! Just saw a family with dad dressed as an exterminator, the mum as a can of insecticide spray and 5 daughters as cockroaches. And those outlandish ones are beyond description. You have to see it to believe. And of course the weather was perfect for street fun. That reminds me ... I must buy the Purim cookies called Haman;s ears. Will post a photo of them when I do get them. If I get them .... now I have to consider even going out into town because there'll be anti-asian racism in the streets and shops. Perhaps I'll be brave today.

Jerusalem on the other hand is more restrained ... But above all these parts and festivities .... have we forgotten that it's prohibited to gather during the coronavirus? The big joke around town is the ultra-orthodox street poster calling for a mass rally at the Wailing Wall to pray against the virus. Mass rally? Really? Anyway  that's how it is. I am staying as alone as possible in my room or office .... going in and out only when early morning or late at night. Better safe than sorry.

Empty market at Damascus Gate

The hotel and tourism industry is tottering because groups are no longer coming in. Hotels are asking the govt for help. I guess the tourist guides will also be aided by the govt. But what is worrying is the churches here which are the main attractions of the Holy Land ... if just one case of contamination is found ... then everything will collapse.  Prudence is not panic. Responsibility is more important than impression.

Right now a good friend is defending his doctorate. Because of the virus and prohibition on gatherings, he's doing his defense with a closed audience. He invited me to a celebratory dinner this evening at his monastery. I might go ... depending on how cold it'll get. I'm happy he earned his doctorate. He worked very hard for it.