Nationwide lockdown

Holy Tuesday ... according to the gospels, it's the day Judas met with the chief priests to discuss how to betray Jesus and received 30 pieces of silver. Something to meditate on.

Empty Palm Plaza

Yesterday our superior and dean went to our grocery at our main monastery at New Gate. I took advantage to go with them because I needed to check on the other library. Travelling by a van is easier than walking because police stops everyone walking in the streets. Coming home in the van was very difficult ... as within an hour the police tightened the closure of the City. Every single car passing Damascus Gate was stopped and questioned. Then before entering Stephen's Gate from the west into the Old City we were stopped again by police who refused to let us enter and return home. We had to argue for some time before they allowed to enter. Our van was stocked with bread and spaghetti and when the police saw it, they were convinced we were just out to buy provisions. That's a valid reason to go out. The other is to see a doctor or the pharmacist.

Passover full moon last night

The streets outside the Old City were empty of people. Some areas with groceries and bakeries had people milling around them. But other than that, only police can be seen in all the other areas. Last night the PM ordered a total nationwide lockdown before the jewish Passover begins tonight. The fear is the entire nation moving around the country to get home and celebrate the feast. And spreading the virus. All intercity roads have been closed. The nationwide lockdown ends on Friday but will resume onApril 15th I guess, the last day of Passover. After that, the PM says things like be a little more relaxed but partial lockdown will continue to be enforced.  

And the egg crisis is partially solved. Egg is essential in the Passover meal ... to be eaten tonight ... but there was a nationwide shortage. That is a national crisis. Israel managed on short call to get a shipload of eggs from overseas to dock at the southern port of Ashdod. Passover meal is saved tonight.