The heatwave is still on us. Electricity usage spiked triple times over as everyone was turning on aircons and fans. You can't blame the people. It's suffocatingly and oppressively hot and humid. And the forest fire is growing. But the Jerusalem Municipality has come up with a plan to reduce the spread of wild fires .... 150 sheep, goats, cattle and camels. They'll eat all the dry herbage around the City thus giving less fodder for the fire. Good ecological solution ... unless you realise these bovines give off a lot more methane gas than a forest fire is dangerous.
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| The Al Aqsa Mosque last night |
Last night was Laylat el Khader - the night of power or compassion. That's when muslims believe the heavens open and God hears all the prayers and answers them, and forgives sins. Usually muslims spend the entire night in the AL Aqsa mosque praying ... while many more others are feasting and enjoying the lights and shops and events around the Old City and Damascus Gate. This year all was quiet. The muezzin continued to sing out calls for prayer and the imams preached fiery sermons and led prayers through the PA system ... very very loudly. Well with the heatwave ... last night was 36 degrees ... it was just as well everyone stayed indoors.
Well the Al Aqsa Mosque will reopen next week after Ramadan is over. No danger of crowds gathering and spreading the virus. At the same time churches are expected tor open as well ... but only if all the social distancing and other measures are observed. Synagogues on the other hand were opened today because of the pressure from religious powers. Everyone seems to be relieved that life is returning to normal .... but not me. I think its a recipe for a 2nd wave of infections. I'm still wearing gloves and masks ... even in this heatwave.
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