Weekend

Food packs

It's been raining all night and though it's supposed to be 5 degrees, it actually feels like zero degrees. That's what the weather forecast also says. This extreme fluctuation of the weather from sunny 26 degree summer to wintry rainy 5 degrees is definitely not helping the coronavirus crisis. It's best to stay home, don't panic-buy and think of others.

And thinking of others is what I was busy with yesterday. A couple of families called me for help. They have lost their jobs because of the lockdown and now they have no money and no food. I went to find the MC sisters and they told me that other families have also approached them. So we went to the nearest christian grocery and bought rice, oil, pasta, canned food, milk and packed them into separate bags for distribution. So I want to appeal to all of you who are not doing so badly ... spare a thought for those who have nothing during this crisis. If you have over-stocked ... share it with those who have not.

All the while I must be careful not to contract any virus as my immunity is low.  I'll have to buy more facial masks as I'm running out.

Jaffa Gate closed

Yesterday the police closed off half the Old City, limiting muslims from entering the Al Aqsa Mosque so that it will not become a epicentre of the virus. Those who could not get inside the Old City scuffled with police who fired tear gas and stun grenades. But it all ended by land afternoon when the gates were reopened and the muslims were allowed to re-enter.  

Meantime there was also problems with ultra-orthodox jews. A couple of their rabbis refused to abide by the Ministry's instructions not to gather beyond 10 people but they went ahead with weddings ... very crowded. The police had to come and break up the celebrations.

Just received directives from the Vatican regarding Holy Week celebrations. Several changes will be made under these special circumstances.