More infections

Ben Yehuda Mall today

The number of infections jumped to 714 in the last 24 hours. People don't know what to do ... or they simply don't give a damn anymore. There's no decisive strategy from the govt. or the health ministry so the people are just left to do what they want. This sense of insecurity and disorientation is overwhelming from the elderly, sick and those most at risk .... while the young and healthy are not the least bothered. It's 2 extremes that grate at each other, causing anger and suspicion.

Pansit from the MC sisters

Yesterday for the Feast of Ss. Peter & Paul, I bought some eclairs for the M.C. sisters. One of their junior sisters was celebrating her feast day ... and an elderly sick sister from Bethlehem was transferred to Jerusalem to recuperate. She had an operation on her ankle and was lucky she got out in time before the border was closed. Anyway she asked to see me so after work I walked by their way and gave them the eclairs ... a little treat on the feast day. And the elderly sister had cooked pansit (bee hoon) for me ... she's a filipina. It was so nice. On feast days, the sisters usually cook a little something for me to enjoy.

Today I went to work as usual. But the heat is getting on me. 29 degrees. And I was wheezing hard because my chest was full of phlegm which I could not cough out. It's a dreadful feeling ... of choking. I was up at 12.20 last night with the same thing. I drank so warm water and walked on the terrace for one hour before coughing out chunks of phlegm. I could breathe alot better after that.

Tomorrow is the much awaited (good and bad senses) annexation of parts of Palestine. Palestinian groups are calling for violence. But last night some of the govt leadership called for last minute talks with Israel. No word from the president. It seems to be in total chaos. Israel on the other had sent out cautious statements that it might not take place at all as the corona crisis is overwhelming state affairs, and the threat of Iran's nuclear program is more important to address. So yet more indecisiveness, lack of clear policy and direction ... the people are losing patience. I'll try not to go out tomorrow as my area is the usual powder keg whenever there's unrest.

Ss. Peter & Paul

Iwo burger and chips yesterday

It's the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul .... the traditional day when priests and deacons are ordained. We've had quite a few the past week. From Salesians to diocesans to franciscans. The sad thing is that their families cannot come to join them. The closure of the airport and borders mean that no outsider can enter the country. All the ordinations were broadcast on live streaming so their families around the world can follow. I hope the ordinands will get to go back home soon and celebrate with their families. Times are difficult and we just need to bite the bullet and hang on.

The govt. is still unable to make a clear decision regarding the rising number of daily infections. The people and health agencies are fed up. Newspapers are calling the govt a failure and had lost control of the virus containment.  The corona committee and the cabinet couldn't agree on the next step to take. So everything hangs in the air while people continue to get infected and die.   https://www.timesofisrael.com/country-losing-control-of-virus-israel-society-for-infectious-diseases-warns/?fbclid=IwAR0V8IKy54cy3QlSjlNBjr0t7eNh-WyazU4K6sledhQvekuNaCvX6N1WzU0
and   https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-june-28-2020/?fbclid=IwAR2fbIZ5Qmw-S2XtTi-PUKhVRMeU-liwWWJzCuh0MXTFVDH4sD_qMOZe9FM

Grandpa & grandson

Yesterday I went to a friend's shop as he asked me to give him some aquatic plants. My plants are always the best: healthy, no chemicals, natural ... and all the petshops know that. So my plants are in big demand. I don't sell it ... I give away all my extra and overgrown plants. The shops in return give me birdseed in exchange ... so Buddy and JJ have food. I think that's a nice deal. After meeting my friend Eran of Jungle Petshop, I passed by Iwo burgers. Another friend there was just opening the restaurant so I thought I'd buy one to treat myself for lunch. After all I've worked very hard all week. Chatted with my friend while he cooked up a great burger, topped with eggs and a smiley face bun. Lockdown has been hard ... but it made us appreciate friendships.

Also yesterday I discovered a turkish tv series .... a docudrama on the turks during the Crusader period - "Dirilis Ertugrul" (Resurrection: Ertugrul). Not a bad production, some good cinematography, the scenery of the open plains and the Crusader castles are superb. No wonder it took the turkish and muslim world by storm. It gives the muslim perspective to the Crusaders campaigns, and the internal affairs of the turks and arabs. As one review said ... it served to revive muslim pride and unify the arabs today with a common past. A very useful political tool indeed .... television can be. Dangerous too.

Bethlehem lockdown

Dawn today

Another weekend is on. With dark political and social clouds looming overhead. Bethlehem is officially closed from today. Most of the northern section of Palestine were already under lockdown last week. Palestine has seen an infection rise of 300 cases a day. And its decision to lockdown was quick and decisive. No ifs, no buts. It's tough ... but necessary and majority of the people agree. We cannot afford to let more people die just because a few selfish individuals don't abide by the law and spread the virus around.

In Israel though, it's not quite the same. Infection rates fell from 600+ to 300+ yesterday but still it's no lesser than Palestine. Still the authorities in Israel are unable to come up with a plan to contain the contagion. Everyone is confused, waiting and scared ... or couldn't care less anymore. Thousands came out to march against the PM on Saturday night ... breaking distancing rules. But the police did nothing. They did arrest a former military general, I think, one of the organizers of the march. That drew a backlash nationwide ... from both left and right sectors ... as it was a clampdown on freedom of speech. He was quickly released this morning ... but the damage was done.   https://www.timesofisrael.com/hundreds-protest-against-corruption-outside-pms-jerusalem-residence/?fbclid=IwAR0z8vCxXEC5E1BWgB0VI-fGO0VhyYr9wyP2pumBT8GzuN8EA4yCqnRaWcU

Looking towards East Jerusalem

And to top this, the threatened annexation of parts of Palestine will take place on July 1st ... drawing more tension and debate. We who live in East Jerusalem don't know what to expect ... except for the worse. East Jerusalem was already annexed in 1967. Now the new annexation will include more land from the east. I guess part of the closure of our street is a pre-emptive measure against the possible riots once the annexation starts.

Well being Sunday today, the day started early at 2.30am with coughing out the phlegm. Started to work by throwing our the trash first. Then watering the flowers in the courtyard and terrace. Then eating some cornflakes for breakfast at 5am .... study for an hour  then preparing for Mass. Mass was more crowded than usual. 2 FMM nuns came and a whole host of White fathers seminarians and 2 priests. It made the Mass more solemn. I hope next week will be the same.

端午節

Northern dumplings

Yesterday was the summer solstice and of course it's the Dragon Boat festival  端午節.  The chinese sisters made rice dumplings and brought them over to me. It was nice of them. Being northerners, they made their style of dumplings .... glutinous rice with dates. And the funny thing was they managed to get bamboo leaves to wrap the dumplings! It's not the huge bamboo leaves that we have back on Asia ... its much smaller but it still served it's purpose. I do miss the nonya dumplings back home ... with savory spiced meat filling. Now with the lockdown of the airport, it's unlikely I'll get any from visiting groups. I'll wait for next year.

And the  端午節 got me thinking. Being the 5th day of the 5th month, considered inauspicious and when venomous animals end their hibernation ... Was that why I was so sick yesterday? Of course it's superstitious to thank that! But ... what a coincidence. Last night I was up at midnight with chest pains again ... and a load of phlegm deep in my lungs which I could not cough up. I walked for almost 2 hours on the terrace and that helped loosen my chest and calmed the spasms in the windpipe. Mind you, it was very cold. The wind was unusually chilly but the sweet strong perfume of the night blooming jasmine made a big difference. It had a calming effect. Let's hope I won't have to undergo another night like that. 

Midnight over the City

Meantime our street continues to be closed to traffic and our van cannot go out to deliver our laundry. That means we'll all be wearing dirty clothes for the next week. We're all wondering when it will all end ... and why it was ever imposed in the first place. We've called the police but have received no answers.   

News just in. Bethlehem will be under lockdown. I was planning to go there on Sunday to deliver medicines and food to the MC sisters but now it looks like it'll not be possible. The virus is spreading real fast ... but unlike Palestine, Israel is still undecided what to do. It'll be a costly procrastination.

532 new cases!!

The grotto where John the
Baptist was born

Yesterday saw a jump from 300 to 532 infection cases!! It's no longer scary ... it's alarming. Medical experts are warning that thousands will be warded in hospitals in the coming weeks. It's going to be ugly. But people have become dulled to the warnings. People throw caution to the wind. And the govt lacks clear strategy and political will to resolve this definitively. And the police are not enforcing the law. All the elements are stacked against a comprehensive plan to contain the 2nd wave. We're doomed. It's each man for himself now. I'm not taking any chances. And news is now out that Israel has postponed the opening of its airport to foreigners by a month ... meaning August 1st. So the agreement with Greece and Cyprus to allow tourists to enter the country is now postponed to August ... and that also means other tourists will be delayed.

The tourist industry will suffer a greater blow with this new surge of infections. All our churches are still closed and rethinking what to do. We depend on pilgrim donations to survive. Now we're barely struggling. https://www.timesofisrael.com/virus-cases-surge-with-532-new-infections-in-past-day/?fbclid=IwAR0UpJ4LfaqGfYwNcMwqaXSVL1haciMrL8ZpRSRAbZW7tdg1GKx3njvThXA

I figured out why I was sick yesterday. I took my heart medicine as usual in the morning but I also drank 2 cups of lemon juice. Apparently the potassium interacted with the medicine and caused my heart to palpitate erratically. That made me very sick. I'll have to avoid lemon juice in the mornings now.

Anyway while buying medicine for the MC sisters to help the poor, the pharmacist told me that vitamin D is useful to preventing infection especially in the old and sick. So I bought a carton load to bring to Bethlehem ... and I'm taking the vitamin myself too. Today I'm recovering from yesterday ... but I also had 4 hours of classes. It's always fun to teach ... but it was also exhausting. Meeting others is great when I'm trying to isolate myself from the growing 2nd wave of coronavirus.

The umbrellas are
out - summer is in!

I'm completing a free online course on Health in Ancient Times. It was something to pass the lockdown and I enjoyed it. We read ancient greek and roman texts as well as archeological artefacts in order to know how people understood health and healing. I've been encouraging my students to sign up for any course as its free (for the moment) and we can learn so much while making good use of all this free time.    

The rhetoric on Israel's annexation of palestinian land is tuning up as more countries are loudly calling for or against it. It's making us nervous. Still I'm not going to let this all ruin my summer. I'll read, take long walks  (responsibly) and study more online courses. I'm going to enjoy summer.

Feast of the Baptist

Palms flowering at the plaza

Infections have risen to 420 in the past 24 hours. It's really getting frightening ... and the govt is still undecided as to what to do. It's going to cost lives. I'll have to be so careful nowadays ... take nothing for granted. Sectors of 2 cities have been closed off and now the govt has approved secret police tracking of sick people. I think this is the weak link of Israel and Palestine ... tracing. They have all the other medicines and care but they can't control the spread of the virus because they fail in tracking. Prevention is better than cure ... but here they've been concentrating only on cure. In Asia it's not even discussed ... just track and stop the spread. Prevention is everything.   https://www.ynetnews.com/article/E6IN9GREC?fbclid=IwAR3JCrf0TJmEF38wJaRWhJy0HaYioQ-PNHpAWuxQwJZk-cyIP7gs0kaUJXA

Empty street

The weather is still fine and typical early summer ... not reaching 30 degrees yet. The dates, pomegranates, vine and autumn fruit trees are all flowering. I think we'll have a lovely harvest at year's end. Today's celebration of the birth of John the Baptist at his birthplace in Ein Kerem must have been lovely. It's in a valley where all the wild fruit trees and pine cover the surrounding mountains. It's always an experience to travel to that church.

I go to work every morning ... but this morning it was terrible. Woke up with great difficulty in breathing. Almost fainted from lack of oxygen. Then I had chest pains which lasts till now in the evening. Giddy. But my bp is 131/81 which is not too high so I'm not sure what's the problem. I'll need to rest more today after 4 hours of classes.

Meantime our street has been closed to traffic for 4 days now. Still not sure why. But it certainly helps in lessening people who don't wear masks. I feel safer. But without cars allowed to enter or leave the area ... we cannot stock up on our food. I think we're running short of food soon. I will just buy my own food and carry them home walking. Survival instinct.

On the political front, the dateline for annexing palestinian land looms. Foreign countries and local groups are taking positions on either side. Tensions are rising. We'll have to watch carefully what developes in the next week.

Of bipimbap and other things

Night blooming jasmine

Now that the penalty for not wearing masks has gone up, more people are wearing the mask ... but still there are those who don't wear it or wear it under their chins. And once again here in East Jerusalem, the police are not enforcing the law.

Local hospitals are warning that their internal wards will collapse if another wave of infected patients overwhelm their hospitals. That's a frightening thought.  https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ryKjjG1AU?fbclid=IwAR2E1lV5cCctLwQLVfE3SLxG1538J9xV3mAJ3jLe1Qfv2XZy8nSqXDALTOM

And it's not dying of coronavirus that's bothering some people ... in the israeli-arab communities, more killings. Yesterday 1 died and 2 injured as someone shot at their car.   https://www.timesofisrael.com/man-shot-dead-in-northern-city-2/?fbclid=IwAR0ChlpFt1PnWnsxHqD-8MevOdJrLU5LONTl9vwsEKcAJiUmUm1qIrEK6Rg

And there're complains of mismanagement in this pandemic as no clear strategy is mapped out. Things change day by day and people are confused ... and finally ignore all advise ... leading to another surge in infections.   https://www.ynetnews.com/article/BkP1dgRa8?fbclid=IwAR241mgsIeTltKZph1eOvqviRDW68YBnJpjZ4hMaNEiynAGjonSGadxkvXk

Bipimbap surprise

Yesterday something must have happened in our area because the police closed off Lions Gate all day. No vehicles could go in or out. Only pedestrians were allowed access. This is one of the uncertainties of living here ... you never know when you can enter or leave.   

The other day Angela the korean resident brought me bibimbap again. It's very nice of her as she had to cook it and drive over. I like bibimbap because it's simple and has lots of veggies. I should cook something back for her in return ... but I don't know what. And I don't know where she stays.

The Raat Ki Rani or night-blooming jasmine continues to flower and its overpowering perfume continues to fascinate everyone. The flowers are tiny but profuse and the scent is strong. Bats are moths are attracted to it during the night. For me it smells like a typical summer night.

I've been having a headache for the past 3 days because I haven't slept well. Each night I'm choked by phlegm and have to sit up for a couple of hours. It exhausts me for the rest of the day and gives me a horrible headache.

Higher fines

Ramadan lights still up at Damascus
Gate

Fines for not complying with wearing masks is up from 200 shekels to 500 shekels. But that's about all. The PM is lamenting over the obstinacy of people not abiding by the rules ... and it rings hollow as the govt doesn't have the political will to change the situation and the people just don't care less. I'm just utterly aghast at the lack of civil mindedness here ... both in the east and the west of the City. They don't learn from our experience in Asia.

And contradictory reports from virus govt sectors are just confusing people. One "expert" claims the virus is weakening and so no vaccine is needed. At the same time the Coronavirus committee warns hospitals to prepare 4000 ventilator beds. Can't blame the people ignoring the govt when such ridiculously opposing views are being published.  https://www.jpost.com/health-science/covid-19-is-weakening-could-die-out-without-vaccine-specialist-claims-632324
and
https://www.jpost.com/health-science/coronavirus-cabinet-to-convene-as-cases-climb-632341

Archbishop celebrates Mass for us

It was the first time in 4 months that I went out in the night. The Archbishop came to celebrate Mass for the chinese religious in Jerusalem. We were 7 in all ... and the Archbishop came with his deacon. It was a nice simple Mass and our chins sisters renewed their vows in front of the Archbishop. Then we had a simple dinner at the chinese convent. There was lively chat as the Archbishop was interested in our work and life in Jerusalem. After dinner it was a long walk home ... by then 8.30pm. We chanced upon Damascus Gate lit up with Ramadan lights ... still. It's the first time I've seen it since the lockdown. Rather nice scene.  

Well I' starting to put my summer holiday plans in action. Sign up for some online courses. Read some of my favourite books ... and going for quiet walks as long as there're no lockdowns. I need the open air.

2nd wave, 2nd lockdown

Masks for sale

Palestine is under lockdown again ... it's decision is quick and decisive, unlike Israel. Yesterday we heard that the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem was closed again ... and news reports that an eventual lockdown will be imposed because the infection rates have risen in Palestine. Now we hear Hebron and Nablus, 2 big cities in Palestine are under total lockdown. It's a brave act ... businesses will close again, worries over food and medicines rise ... but as long as people don't abide by the norms, lockdowns will be brought back. Israel on the other hand is paralysed by political inertia and infections have risen to 300 a day .... the PM is just repeating the same threats of lockdown which no one believes he'll do. People ignore him and go about without masks or distancing ... dancing mice in front of a toothless tiger. I'm not taking any chances ... reports in the news say the virus has mutated and more young victims are infected and dying. I'm asthmatic, diabetic, high bp, low resistance ... I'm not taking any chances.    https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1J79YnaU?q=16&fbclid=IwAR1R_78lKL7VCGqA263qff4PeWBhjdfageMFHnZEK6aOvjj9GyQRkxvUgFc

Anyway the govt right now is calling hospitals to reopen their infection wards and prepare for an influx of corona patients.  https://www.timesofisrael.com/hospitals-told-to-prepare-to-reopen-specialized-covid-19-wards-as-cases-mount/?fbclid=IwAR3tRtYz5nSD5vOwArRPyTtdwQcR-Un7IFHvBxaYGPeDjLrXi-kc_7lpb4Y

Police take down

On my way home today, I witnessed a really crazy dramatic scene ... straight out form the movies. A van was screeching between the traffic and halted at the Damascus Gate roundabout, blocking all the traffic. The driver .. a tiny guy ... can out and ran out and confronted the police who quickly took him down and arrested him. I kept at a distance because if a gun were used, there might have be stray bullets. I'm not taking any chances. Imagine surviving the coronavirus only to be killed by a stray bullet!!! Not worth it!!

Anyway I went out after Mass to buy food and medicine because if Israel does decide to impose a 2nd lockdown ... I'm ready. Most important is to buy food for Buddy and JJ. During the last lockdown, I wasn't prepared and for a week the birds had to eat rice and bread. They got quite sick.

Holidays

Rain clouds at 5am

This morning was strange ... heavy rain clouds covered the morning sky. I was up at 4am (3am solar time) to water the plants as the sun had begun to rise. At 5am I went up to the terrace to water the flowers up there and saw the dark clouds looming above. A cold damp wind was also blowing. It felt like Spring again ... but typical of Summer mornings, these clouds are blown into Jordan across the Dead Sea. But by noon the sun is scorching above. It's still not peak hot season ... 28 degrees at most but we can feel the effects on our skin. Yesterday I saw pigeons and sparrows taking a dip at the fountain in Palm Plaza. Now that's an indicator of how hot it is. The animals never lie.

The summer holidays have official begun today. But most students and profs are stuck here because there are no flights out ... or they chose to remain because of the danger of infections back in their own country. Their staying back adds pressure on me because they'll be wanting to use the libraries and I really would like to close it and give my workers (and myself) a rest. I'll have to talk to the dean and work something out with him.

Birds bathing at Palm Plaza

As viral infections have soared the past few days, the president of Cyprus has called off a visit to re-establish tourist links. I guess all the tourism plans to re-open sites are put on hold until the situation is under control. And that is anyone's guess because of the stubborn few who refuse to abide by the hygiene norms. The PM has only been making empty threats and the police are not enforcing the law strictly enough.

There's been alot of internal violence in the arab-israeli community. Yesterday saw the 4th shootings with fatalities in 48 hours. Since e the beginning of the year, 43 arab-israelis have been killed by internal violence. These are arabs born and living as israeli citizens. One can see how dysfunctional these communities are .... caught between the arab-israeli war and cultures. The clash between their racial/religious identities, political leanings and allegiances is quite vicious.    https://www.timesofisrael.com/man-shot-dead-in-4th-killing-in-two-days-in-arab-community/

I'm still having trouble breathing in the nights and my chest hurts if I sleep on my left. I have to sit-up for an hour or so till thinks go back to normal before I can sleep again. I sure hope tonight I can have a full night's sleep as the past weeks have been very difficult. It makes the rest of my day very tiring.

Feast of Sacred Heart

Muslims leaving Herod's Gate

The weekend is upon us ... the Sabbath siren just sounded all around the City, warning jews to stop work as the Sabbath has begun. And being Friday today, the muslims came to the Al Aqsa Mosque for prayers. And the crowds were larger than previous weeks ... showing the virus lockdown has eased despite the sake in infections this week. However most people are wearing masks when entering the Old City ... because the police are catching those without masks and fining them 200 shekels. Just at the end of our street, at the 3rd Station of the Cross, police caught several people as I passed by on my way to work. I didn't dare take photos.

Our parish in Jaffa has issued a notice saying there will be no public masses anymore as the Municipality has ordered a lockdown in that neighbourhood because of a surge in coronavirus infections. And that's because everyone flouted the mask and distancing rules. In a way this curfew-like regime would stop crowds from gathering to riot as they have done for the past week.

My amazing night-blooming jasmine

My night-blooming jasmine in the sacristy courtyard had suffered several stretches of "drought" as no one watered it. The leaves had shrivelled and new leaves are very tiny. I had to save it by heavy watering twice. And it came back to life. Then 2 days back it pushed out blooms on every branch and nodule. Utterly incredible ... the whole bush is packed with blooms and the perfume is so strong it can be smelt 3 storeys up to my room.

Today is the feast of the Sacred Heart. Mass was solemn with Gloria and Credo ... but I celebrated alone. The docs have been warning me to avoid communal celebrations or activities because of my asthma and my resistance is quite low and I am likely to catch anything. I'm not panicking and I do go out to work once every 2 days, but I am very careful with hand washing, wearing masks and keeping distance from others. better safe than sorry.

Chrism Mass

Chrism presented to the Archbishop

Today Chrism Mass was celebrated at the basilica of Gethsemane. This is the first time in centuries that the Chrism Mass was celebrated outside of Holy Week and outside the Holy Sepulchre. A good 50+ priests showed up and that was a good sign ... given that those in Palestine have difficulty in crossing into Israel, and those in Israel are afraid of being infected by the coronavirus because a huge spike in infections around the country. The rite was simple ... we did away with the ancient Crusader rite that the world has long forgotten and abandoned. In a way I miss it ... it's unique, it's so ancient ... those of you who think the Tridentine rite is traditional, you should experience the Crusader rituals who go 400 years earlier than Trent. Anyway the Chrism Mass went well and I followed it on live stream.

Archbishop giving the sermon

My busy summer schedule is cranking up. My thai student is preparing to start intensive english classes next week and wanted to know which books to use and the timetable. He needs practice in speaking and writing so I have to plan lots of activities. The chinese sisters will also have english classes but twice a week. Bible classes will also continue ... from Sydney to Toronto. And I'm planning to study some online courses as well. That'll keep me busy since with the 2nd wave of infections, I'll stay mostly at home.

The idea of annexation is looming over the country. For Israelis it's a celebration .... to retake parts of Palestine into Israel. But for palestinians, it's the lost of their land, displacement and an unclear future especially when they have no leadership from their govt. Foreign countries are adding their voices ... and the tension. I hear rumours that July 3rd will be a start of violence as the annexation starts and the palestinians will revolt. It's bad enough that we're under corona restrictions ... we don't need a war added on.   https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/former-christian-clerics-denounce-annexation-plans-631960

Sunny day

In the park under the trees

The weather continues to warm up and the summer vacation is just days away. Some schools have already begun summer vacation ... my students at the Salesian Uni have already moved out to their missions around the Holy Land. Our school closes tomorrow ... and hopefully no more students will come to use the library. The virus infection has risen to 300 a day now and we don't want those from outside to come here anymore.   https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-records-almost-300-new-virus-cases-in-single-day-as-infections-swell/?fbclid=IwAR1PUW_apIuLIY2OS9KF31OTZZWKRm9nTsoYJAo0XamajjuMGeRMnaLDg_4

People can't be cooped up in their tiny apartments forever and the hot weather is a big help because many families come out into the park and spend most parts of the day under the trees, having picnic lunches and just enjoying the outdoors. School children will be able to play in the open which is safer than in narrow alleys. Downside is that children are the largest asymptomatic carriers of coronavirus. That's why schools are the major source of virus outbreaks. I'm keeping a wide distance from kids nowadays.  https://www.timesofisrael.com/the-silent-spreaders-lots-of-asymptomatic-kids-among-covid-19-cases/

New Damascus Gate park

In Jaffa the courts have ordered a halt to the demolition of the muslims cemetery that has led to riots for the past week. Thank goodness some peace is restored. Meantime Greece and Israel will reopen bilateral flow of flights and tourism. A little window of hope that other countries will soon be added to the list. Tour guides are desperately calling on the govt. to save the tourism industry.

My blood pressure is still high ... above 140/80 but I'm not having the headaches and dizziness like before. Been drinking 3 litres of water everyday but what I lack is the 4km walk daily that helps reduce my cholesterol and diabetes ... which ultimately affects my bp. I must try to do it everyday ... but with the strict rules of going out imposed by my house, it'll be a tightrope to walk.

Of bedouins and begging

The old bedouin beggar

Viral infections have shot up to 217 yesterday. Staff at the Ichilov hospital were infected because they disregarded wearing masks and keeping distance. They ate in the canteen like that ... and worse, they had a party in which all attending are now infected. You might have thought medical staffers had more sense than that ... but that's the attitude here ... they're above the law and above science and common decency. Well I'm glad I wasn't there ... for the past here I have had my treatments in one of their clinics there. Now I'm not going back even if if they ask me for a regular checkup. They lost my trust.

The old bedouin woman who sits by the roadside between Damascus Gate and new Gate begging for money is back. She sits under the shade of a tree like the prophetess Deborah. I haven't seen her for 3 months ... because of the lockdown. But now she's back. We usually give her a shekel and she's always grateful ... asking God to bless us. These past few mornings I stopped to chat with her. She can be quite chatty ... talking about the virus, the closure of the City, the weather.

Lunch: bread & meatballs

And talking about begging ... today I had to beg for food at St. Saviour's kitchen. I didn't eat dinner (as usual) last night and missed breakfast today because I have so much work ... so by 12pm I was hungry and didn't want to spend money, so I went to the kitchen and asked for bread. The cook was very nice and gave me a bowl of meatballs as well. That's the life of the poor ... that's what families have been doing these 3 months after losing jobs and businesses. They knock on doors of convents and monasteries ... and eat whatever is given them. After living and serving the poor these past decade, I no longer feel ashamed to knock on doors asking for food. I go to the street doctors that the poor would go to ... paying only 15 shekels for a visit instead of 70 shekels for a "normal/decent" clinic. I line up with the poor to wait for my turn at the clinic. The doctor is old and has parkinson's .... so administering a jab is quite an ordeal. I always have to ask him to warn me first and he'll say "Take a deep breath", and I do .. and he jabs me with the needle ... but his hand shakes and the needle wobbles so it hurts. But that's the life of the poor. And I don't complain. I figured it's not enough to help the poor unless you become one of them ... then you'll understand their difficulties.

New week

Fried noodles and prawns

It's Monday again ... and I had a terrible night coughing and wheezing. Woke up at 2am and was up since. The morning was filled with work, classes and meetings. Then I had to go meet my student who graduated last week. He'll be transferred to Nazareth next week and will be ordained priest there. I had helped guide his thesis and he passed the defense very well. We had a simple meal at mandarin restaurant to celebrate ... fried noodles and a dish of tomato prawns. Cost 200 shekels. Expensive ... but that's the prices nowadays after the lockdown. My other student whom I guided also for his defense did extremely well ... scoring 100%. Very proud of them. Next week I start daily intensive english classes for the students who are stuck here in Jerusalem.

Tram between New Gate and St. Louis
hospital

I did manage to take a short rest in the afternoon as I was too exhausted to continue doing anything. Short but deep nap. And Buddy and JJ were sleeping with me as they like to do. It's some quiet time we spend during these months of lockdown and restricted movements. Other than that it's play time for the birds ... they have endless energy and are constantly seeking attention to play. JJ can play for hours with paperclips. Buddy will play with coins and bells.

Now for a funny ironical story in the news ... a local top health official contracted coronavirus after the organised a "end-of-corona" party. Everyone is having a good laugh at this. Over confidence and lack of prudence ... and the result is this.  https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ByLzo976U?fbclid=IwAR1NyLbc_XAYerOhdEMUhJBt3PvHoHNKD_rUW5APrjup3LegPGOHCsLP8ng

Virus infections have continued to rise ... with the epicentre now in south Tel Aviv-Jaffa. And if that;s not enough, the nightly demonstrations against the demolition of an ancient muslim cemetery continues despite lockdown and distancing rules. Police in Jerusalem and enforcing the mask ruling ... yesterday at New Gate 2 policemen were handing out fines to people going to Church not wearing masks. It;s 200 shekels a fine. That's a lot when you have no job.

Sunday Feast

My armenian chapel
today

Woke up at 2.30am (solar time: 3.30am daylight saving) when the muezzin began calling to prayer. It is noticeably louder than the previous months ... almost like a protest. There's a law which forbids the use of PA systems going beyond certain decibels. It's annoying to be disturbed so early ... but I'm used to it. It's a sign that summer is here. I started work at 4am ... throwing out the huge load of garbage into the dumpster outside, the watering the flowers. Had a breakfast of bourekas (puff pastry with potatoes) and coffee on the terrace facing the Mt. of Olives as the sun rose. Then an hour of studies till 7am. Then it was off to the 3rd Station for Mass.

The small community of armenian catholics faithfully showed up and we had a lovely celebration with great singing for the feast of Corpus Christi. Though it's a Roman Rite feast day, the armenians have warmly embraced these devotions. Vicky who is a soprano added to the volume and solemnity because the Sanctus (Sourp in armenian) is sung by a soprano. Because of the diaconal ordination of the Salesian students at the same time, my usual acolytes could not help me at Mass. But my deacon did come and today he even tried proclaiming some parts of the Mass in armenian. Well done!   


The PM's security guards have been tested positive with the cornonavirus. And they're not just neighbours to our Terra Santa College but actually work inside the compound because the PM uses our compound as a carpark. The infection has a high probability of spreading to our students staying there ... and these students are irresponsible ... refusing to wear masks and caring less about other people's wellbeing. And they come to our school for classes. I find it repulsive that students aspiring to be teachers of the Bible are so irresponsible and reckless ... contrary to the Bible.  https://www.timesofisrael.com/177-new-coronavirus-cases-diagnosed-in-24-hours-including-among-netanyahu-staff/?fbclid=IwAR2j6cr0Z8YepNp_LH3uSZPX2RocGKQg5LyMnj1dxCW7XZlOPJU7iFcLurA

Breakfast at 5am

Riots in Jaffa continued last night. Though the news mentioned that the govt had spoken about it ... I'm not sure a compromise has been reached. That's one bone of contention that will not easily pass away this summer.

Well we'll just have to adapt to the new realities this summer ... with the pandemic, the local violence and the predicted heatwave ... I'm still planning to have a busy summer schedule and making the most of it.

St. Anthony feast

Relic of St. Anthony at
the Holy Sepulchre

Another feast today ... in fact it's a solemnity here for us. St. Anthony of Padua (or Lisbon) ... who is the patron saint of the franciscans in the Holy Land. There's the Gloria and Credo and 3 readings at Mass. We've been praying to St. Anthony these past 2 months to rid us of the coronavirus. He's famed for chasing out demons and ridding plaques from cities. Let's hope he hears us and gets the job done soon. There's a relic of him at the Chapel of the Apparition in the Holy Sepulchre and the ancient statue of the saint is displayed at the St. Saviour parish.

The day before there was a solemn Mass and procession at the Holy Sepulchre for the feast of Corpus Christi. Like all the liturgical celebrations nowadays, we join in only through live streaming. It's better than nothing.

Corpus Christi in the Holy Sepulchre

Right now I'm in a dilemma. I came to the other library and started work ... only to discover I cannot find my keys. Now I'm locked inside the library. I must have had it with me otherwise I won't have entered the library ... but after I closed the door behind me I just cannot find it anywhere. Another job for St. Anthony ... patron saint of lost articles. Help!!  

The viral infection has shot up to 226 overnight and all the talk is about wearing masks and keeping distance ... but it's not enforced rigorously. I know in certain spots police are handing out fines to deter such irresponsible behavior ... but over 90% of the places, the police are not doing anything. It's disappointing ... for the elderly and the sick who are high risk. Me included.  https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rkEKzVZpU?fbclid=IwAR2oqnSMeUEdEQlAG4IlSgYmOACHuU4n98So7d7BOZCvwHDdZ8ncCtooYTs

And bracing for a 2nd wave ... the country is making its own masks ... except there's no guarantee anyone will wear them.   https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rJ2DdOqn8?fbclid=IwAR3j6IHalzSsNfdPkxkGgTPmbHwwLKLFgaq-nLbU4R3-a90rnQb5x_tu6-U

Bl. Antonia feast

Sisters of Ivrea this morning

Today I had to preside at the feast of the founders of the Ivrea Sisters - Blessed Anronia Maria Verna. She founded the Institute of the Sisters of Charity to educate the poor children in Italy. So today's Mass was solemn for the sisters ... sung in most parts, including the Gloria, 3 readings, a sermon plus renewal of vows. After Mass the sisters offered breakfast and came to chat with me. They're a lovely community ... 2 elderly and 2 young sisters who came to replace the superior who died and another very old sister who is now in a care home. The sisters run a kindergarten in this poor neighbourhood of East Jerusalem. It's very famous for its quality education and many families try to send their toddlers there. However the sisters remain faithful to their vocation and accept many poor children from the nearby Kidron Valley as well.

Homegrown veggies

Talking about sisters ... our chinese sisters are cultivating chinese veggies on their terrace. They plant seeds in styrofoam boxes and now they have lots of lettuce and garlic chives. They harvested some for me and I ate them fresh ... very delicious. All organically farmed ... no chemicals used.

The spike of corona infections hit 200 yesterday ... but the govt is still unsure what to do. Even orders to enforce strictly the distancing and mask rules seem to fall on deaf ears for the most part by the police themselves. They not only are reluctant to enforce the law, they themselves do not wear masks. So much for discipline. No wonder the virus is still with us. One thing you can notice here in this country ... civic-mindedness and public concern is almost non-existent. Only the Self matters.   https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-records-over-200-new-virus-cases-in-a-day-for-first-time-since-april/?fbclid=IwAR0RJr8Eq_ZZEHNl25GhK7MgzWeHmZAL9x7-dD7S-d6Si-yytuMA_LZAeBc

Violence continues to plague Jaffa as muslims after Friday prayers gathered in the streets to demonstrate against the destruction of the cemetery. We hope it won't spill over to other cities.  And talk about bad news ... one of the two iconic cooling towers near Haifa collapsed. Fears of contaminating material spilling into the area has been squashed by the company in charge.

**Today my uploading and downloading functions are working again. Strange?

Hacked again?

It's almost the weekend ... and the holiday mood is certainly flooding in. I'm preparing the books I plan to read during summer. I also have to plan my timetable as a Thai seminarian is unable to go back home for summer because of the lockdown so I was asked to teach him English during the holidays. It's 2 hours every day from Monday to Friday. That'll take up my mornings. I also have remedial English classes for the chinese sisters. I'll spend tonight thinking what else I can do for the rest of my summer holidays. There will of course be classes on the Bible since lockdown guarantees that no one will be going on overseas vacation. Maybe I'm biting off more than I can chew ... but I'll give it a try. It'll be a different kind of summer holiday.

It's the feast of Corpus Christi today ... in the Holy Sepulchre. The Archbishop was there with a small entourage. The Mass and procession was limited to 50 people ... a little lacklustre but poignant nonetheless. The rest of us only watched it on live stream. Tomorrow the Ivrea sisters are celebrating their founder's day ... the Mass will be a little longer with the Gloria and sermon ... but I rather enjoy that.

Clashes continued in Jaffa for the 3rd night ... this time more focussed on the destruction of the muslim cemetery in order to build a care home in its place. And still on Jaffa (and Tel Aviv) ... it's now the epicentre of corona infections, edging Jerusalem out. The highest infections are from migrant workers and the arab population. That's not good news. The spike overnight is now so high the govt has authorised police to strictly enforce the law ... and today alone hundreds of fines have been issued. Anyone refusing to comply will be arrested. I for one am very very happy.   https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-to-step-up-mask-enforcement-as-virus-cases-spike-overnight/?fbclid=IwAR3q_pQtTecPm7o5Al4CU9GlWtDfc2452y2ivzL-Z4cnMwASYPODA9PkJF0
and   https://www.ynetnews.com/article/SJ9rBS1aL

** someone is tampering with my blog. Now I cannot upload any photos. For the past month I couldn't download them. Why can't the police catch those hackers?

Stromata

Sunrise at Rockerfeller Park

What a lovely walk to the Ivrea convent this morning. There was a chilly wind blowing but the sun was out and bright at 3am (solar time). Mass and Lauds was as usual with the Ivrea sisters and then I went out to their garden to see the lovely flowers. Their gardener was there and he brought me around to see a beautifully scented tree in flower ... I thought it was a buddleja but the leaves smelt like lemongrass. The gardener told me the leaves may be used to flavour salsa for spaghetti. I should try it one day. Anyway the gardener promised to cut me some branches for planting in winter.

View of the Dome of the Rock
from Musrara

Instead of going home after Mass I went instead to the other library because today my volunteer is off and no one is working there. Even as I opened the library door, there were already 3 requests for books and reference material. Looks like a busy day. And I have class in the afternoon. I'll probably have to rest early tonight again though I'd love to finish reading a book on 1st century medical practice.

The govt is not considering lockdown again because the economy needs picking up. However all other plans to ease lockdown are put on hold. What is now opened, remains open. Schools may have to shut though as there are over 17,000 infections in a week. Authorities are calling on everyone to observe the restrictions, wear masks and keep distancing .... but the police are not willing to enforce it so they people couldn't care less. It's actually up to the police.   https://www.jpost.com/opinion/put-on-a-mask-to-prevent-a-second-covid-19-wave-630882

And last night there was a silent clash in Jaffa as people protested the killing of the autistic man near my house ... and the plan to build a geriatric home over a muslim cemetery. It got quite violent and riot police were called in to quell the chaos.    https://www.ynetnews.com/article/S11K1P628#autoplay

Grateful

Summer fruit on sale

It's Tuesday ... the weather is hot during the day and work continues. I can't wait for summer holidays to come ... even nature is hinting at it. The first summer fruits are on sale in the markets ... cherries especially but also peaches, apricots and plums. And strangely autumn fruit are also on sale ... grapes for example. Anyway the markets are colourful with these fruit.

Foodstuff sent to the
MC convent

It's been very good to see donations coming in to help the poor. Most family businesses have collapsed. Those with work have lost everything ... not just food or medication but even homes. Just this afternoon alone I've received 2 requests for help. But I've received donations of foodstuff and money from many places as well ... and I thank you all for your kindness in remembering the unfortunate in the Holy Land. I've distributed the foodstuff to the MC sisters who'll repack them into bags and distributed them to the poor. I know times are tough for everyone so your donations are even more appreciated and gratefully received. We'll pray for God's blessings on you.

A spike of 179 infections in the last 24 hours ... sparking concern. Yet some research says Israel is the 3rd safest place in this pandemic. Frankly I don't care about all that ... just get those irresponsible people to wear masks. The govt has admitted that majority have dumped the mask and ignored distancing ... which is the cause of this spike.   https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-alarming-spike-186-new-virus-cases-recorded-in-24-hours/?fbclid=IwAR1hIxfiblLVrrVYw1W5jJXpPIcsKMet5dpAHyMTtIkeFddFzI1SeelQ6y4
and regarding the mask:  
https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-more-israelis-ditch-masks-massive-study-says-they-cut-infection-risk-by-85/?fbclid=IwAR3gne-WE5RFto-Z0DPoiDgormkM6OISN3fGJIJeHajURmUvFoB8JeK9uHQ

Rail against railing

Damascus Gate & ugly railing

It's my turn this week to celebrate Mass at the Ivrea convent. I rather like that ... the walk there is very pleasant especially in summer. Though it is not so far, I take at least 25 minutes to walk there because of my asthma and also because of the heat. It was 28 degrees today. I'll enjoy this week's masses. The sisters there are also very kind. And they provide a simple but delicious breakfast of cheese and bread.

The Municipality has put up an ugly railing along Suleiman Street facing Damascus Gate so that no matter how you take a picture of the most beautiful and famous gate of the Old City, the railing is there to mar the view. That's certainly one way to chase away tourists. I really have no idea what those people are thinking when they do these ugly things. No doubt they'll say it's for security reasons ... to prevent terrorists. But the jump from there to the plaza below is 4 meters and not a single terrorist has ever used this area to commit a crime. It's simply too high up and far from the Gate. I would hope that a movement be started to pressure the Municipality to remove this railing.

Lily in my garden

Infection rates continue to soar and the govt and the corona-commission cannot decide what to do other than to pull the brakes on further easing of the lockdown. They need the economy to get back to  normal but at the price of more deaths and infections. Are the hospitals prepared for an influx of patients? Are there enough masks? Testing kits? Ventilators? What the officials say is true ... all it takes is for people to be civic-minded and responsible: wear masks, keep distance, wash hands ... and the pandemic will be under control. But unfortunately there are those who actually believe the pandemic is only a media invention; no one has died, there is no proof anyone died ... yes, someone actually told me this this morning ... and just now I read another similar idea on social media. It's shockingly unbelievable that people in this day and age can remain in a fantasy.   https://www.timesofisrael.com/ministers-permit-events-with-up-to-250-but-expected-to-delay-other-reopenings/?fbclid=IwAR3tSMNuOfqhOPQkkVfKwGYCUT99pVmvnklm4sn-uwzHkfPSKDuW8X5FshI

Trinity Sunday

Grapes and cherries at the market

It's Trinity Sunday ... one of those feasts based on an abstract dogma instead of a biblical event. It's been a point of dispute for most of the early centuries but eventually the orthodox position held ground and became dogma for all the mainstream ancient churches. Preaching a homily on this topic is tough ... it can get very philosophical so usually preachers remain in the description of trinity as relationships. It's a lot easier for the people to understand ... not to say that the preacher himself fully understands this mystery.

After Mass at the armenian church, I decided to go to the other library where it's very quiet and cool. The weather is 28 degrees and the sun beats down harshly ... making it feel more than th thermometer records.

Playing petanque at the Boulevard

Top health officials are warning of a 2nd wave which has no visible end. However they're not in favour of lockdowns. One top medical authority has been fighting political bureaucrats who are using the pandemic as leverage ... and his solution is really logical and feasible: test everyone ... those who are negative go back to work; those positive go to quarantine. That way the economy does;t have to close down. But like in many other countries, politics is more important than human lives.   https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ByWmzG53I?fbclid=IwAR0r-VuHoWqqVzthh5f2uA3FgTYVmE_eVawBL86Y1BpP3PTuw0wB4OQAFAU
and
https://www.timesofisrael.com/outgoing-health-chief-warns-fresh-virus-outbreak-of-unknown-scope-underway-tv/?fbclid=IwAR1JBbaoKH-YP6XsoN4vRdW0GslQD42ZSbQQNwJlUENDobc6ume7SkREY08
and
https://www.jpost.com/health-science/hadassahs-rotstein-leads-charge-in-israels-fight-against-coronavirus-630366?fbclid=IwAR0StmAWFFSlN9n8XIsNDIZdccyBBLFUXxZlhu3mRF5mYeoaeQOzLA8_jXY

The tragic killing of the autistic man near my house has drawn admission and regret from Israeli authorities. The Chief Rabbi went to visit the arab family to offer condolences; and finally today the PM himself publicly said the killing was "unjust" and a "tragedy". Demonstrations have been taking place throughout the country ... likening to the killing to america's George Floyd ... whether rightly or wrongly. And the demonstrations grew into the thousands yesterday when it included the annexation plans of the PM in palestinian land. With worldwide demonstrations and violence over the Floyd killing and the pandemic and the economic crash ... the PM cannot afford to fight all these. Better make peace first. Now the anti-annexation groups include not only left-wingers and arabs but also rightwing settlers themselves who now see Trump's plan as a disaster, isolating their settlements in a midst of an arab state which they refuse to accept.   https://www.timesofisrael.com/thousands-rally-in-tel-aviv-against-netanyahus-annexation-plans/?fbclid=IwAR3pTOt1ZiO5yvhxzdOrN8Qfr4ssnyUhK5jB_OpPvqFzFjuyRCYS8BruhPE

What a Sunday ... so many things going on ... it leaves you breathless.