Empty streets

Empty main road today

It's Eid al Adha today ... the muslim feast of the sacrifice. Usually the streets would be full of hawkers selling toys, food and any thing you can imagine. But today there was no one in the streets. An eerie silence and empty space throughout the City inside and out. It's frightening. A couple of small families that came from other parts of the country sit under the shade of the olive trees at Damascus Gate park. A few young people walking about. But it was just no one otherwise. Municipality billboards wishing muslim residents and visitors a happy Eid al Adha stand ironically everywhere ... with no one to see. Newspaper reports say sheep sales have dropped significantly this year as many people have no jobs and therefore cannot buy a 1800 shekel sheep to cook and eat. It's very sad.   https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rJGmPPeZD?fbclid=IwAR2s93SxmHxfkFO0BgflMrR879x_CxrU3MtSY50SG36A8qrv2_PLufxVvHA

Infection rates have fallen from 2000+ to 1700. That's a good sign but will it fluctuate up again tomorrow? Demonstrations last night ended peacefully though the 2 opposing rallies were kept far apart by the police. Thank goodness.

Empty Palm Plaza today

I wanted to stay home today ... because of the heatwave and also to avoid contact with people. I'm trying as much as possible to voluntarily isolate so as not to put myself at risk of being infected. Doctor's advice. But there was an emergency call to discuss a contract. And there were requests for books; and a consignment of 30 boxes of ancient books arriving from the Nazareth monastery. So much to be done. In all it was 8 hours of work today in the other library. Luckily the chinese sisters heard I was at work and they made a lovely lunch of cold noodles which I love. I intend to go to sleep early tonight. Tomorrow I'll have to go back and follow from the contract discussion.

Besides my summer plans to read and study ... I should really do something physical. My doc and pharmacist say vitamin D is important to prevent corona infection. So besides taking Vitamin D tablets, I spend half an hour in the sun on the terrace. My superior told me to go for a walk instead of staying in my room all day. Normally I would go ... but with this heatwave, my chest pains and fear of catching the virus ... I prefer to stay within the house.

Spring rolls, pao & fasting

Sitting at Damascus Gate plaza to
cool off

A violent rampage took place last night at the Wailing Wall ... 250 meters from my house ... as the mourning of Tesha B'Av started. Hundreds of ultra-orthodox jews broke security barriers to enter the plaza which is restricted due to the pandemic. But the ultra-orthodox will have none of it. Police were restraint but forceful to dispersing the crowd. This morning some tried to re-enter the Al Aqsa compound and police turned them away. They spat at me when I was watching our gate after throwing out the garbage.

Now they are planning for tonight's massive demonstration by the public in front of the PM's house after sunset when the fasting and mourning is over. Newspapers predict violence. But I certainly pray it won't. There's fear the rightwing counter-protesters might come back and harm the demonstrators as they did in Tel Aviv 2 nights ago ... using broken bottles and knives to injure several people. The country is more divided then ever before ... and couple that with the pandemic and and failing economy, military tensions with Lebanon .... everyone is feeling lost and desperate.     https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/after-western-wall-riots-police-prepare-for-violence-at-balfour-protests-636859?fbclid=IwAR3RXMbqOViHP6QjHdpxDwfG7-ejPyjDRHbA6UIHW2ZjRw7rhQWeqeqoPqw

Cleaning the church yesterday

The heatwave is hitting us ... daytime is well above 32 degrees and nights are 29 degrees. For jews fasting today, it will be hard. The Chief Rabbi has ordered that all who are sick must not fast, and all must wash hands ... which is forbidden bring the mourning of Tesha B'Av. Common sense rules. Arabs are sitting under any shade to stay cool while preparing for tonight's feast of Eid Al Adha. I've decided to stay at home today to avoid any problems. Being spat at by ultra-orthodox jews is bad enough. I don't need to invite more hostilities.

Homemade pao &
spring rolls

M. Teresa's sisters made chinese buns and spring rolls yesterday. It was very nice of them as I was hungry after spending over 2 hours cleaning the armenian catholic church. It has not been cleaned for half a year now. 2 seminarians from the White Fathers who serve as my lector and acolyte came to help me. Thank goodness because the church is relatively large and my asthma won't let me do everything by myself. Those guys are really great ... always helpful and cheerful. I'll bring then out for brunch after Mass this Sunday as a way of thanking them.

Today I'll just do some reading, teach the aussie youths and then clean up my room. Should keep me busy.

Eves

Jews at Bab Hutta this morning

It's the eve of Tesha B'Av ... the day of mourning for the burning of the Temple twice in history on the same day. I saw a group of jewish men gathered in front of Bab Hutta, one of the minorities leading into the Temple Mount (or the Al Aqsa compound as muslims call it) just 20 meters from my house. The soldiers refused to let them in, as it is established by law. Luckily there were no clashes. But there might be this evening and tomorrow morning when more radical youths will try to enter. Tomorrow being the eve of the muslim feast of Eid al Adha - there'll be many muslims coming into the Al Aqsa as well ... so a clash could be possible. But I certainly hope not.

A record number of infections in the last 24 hours ... 2,060+. Hospitals can no longer cope with the influx. Instead of considering a lockdown, the govt voted today to raise the payout to israeli citizens. It will make the people happy ... but it sure won't stop the spread of the virus. With the nightly demonstrations against the PM and the govt ... and a rightwing retaliation who attacked and injured the protestors last night ... the govt is thinking only of appeasing public sentiments and not addressing the killer issue ... a virus that's crippling the health system and claiming lives.   https://www.ynetnews.com/article/HJjDwe1ZD

Damascus Gate market today

And continuing to appease public discontent over the economy, the govt has now agreed to open entry to "green" countries ... those deemed free from covid19. Problem is though visitors from these countries can enter without quarantine and certification of health, they might not be allowed to come because Israel is not itself a "green" country to the rest of the world. In fact it's the 6th highest infectious country in the world.  

With the muslim feast in 36 hours, markets are packed with people buying food and gifts. The economy is bad so expenditure is a lot less this year. I doubt any family can afford a lamb which is traditionally roasted and eaten on this feast. A part of it is usually given to the poor. Well this year everyone is poor.

Back online

So I'm back online after yesterday's disturbance in my blog. And it's another national crisis today ... up north a war almost broke out. Last week Israel had bombed Lebanon ... accidentally killing a soldier. Lebanon threatened revenge and Israel rushed the army to the border. Yesterday apparently lebanese soldiers entered into Israel and Israel retaliated with bombings. Now the UN is calling for a cessation of aggression.   https://www.ynetnews.com/article/Hk114ZD6ev?fbclid=IwAR2_4jXGwHRR073XV2DR6yyAuErZNSCCCIsTcwaTSzO8A1Wr25ITZQEk3sQ

Busy market at Damascus Gate

Meantime a group of religious leaders in Jerusalem met to pray for the end of Covid19. Though a few of such meetings have been organised already in this half year, this time it occurs a few days before Judaism and Islam celebrate their very important feastdays. On Thursday the jews will fast and lament for the destruction of their temples, once in 587 BC and again in 70AD on the same day. The muslims on Thursday evening start their feast of Adha or the sacrifice of Ishmael by Abraham. Both religions will fast ... and their leaders have called for a better understanding of each others' religions and tolerance and "baseless love". That word is a play on "baseless hatred" which the ancient rabbis blamed for the destruction of the temple. By the way, the temple was built over the rock where Abraham tried to sacrifice Ishmael (Isaac in the jewish-christian tradition).  https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/sheikh-rabbi-hope-baseless-love-joint-fast-will-stop-covid-19-636492?fbclid=IwAR1t5a888gsGDPPxKSLtcr7pYllqC-U-N02XOM-SxfhltgOJaw33p7pfe3E

Sr. Pelagia sells hosts

Because of the upcoming feasts, jews and muslims are buying up food to cook in advance because they cannot work on the feast day itself. The markets inside and outside Damascus Gate were very busy. I had to pass through it ... with a lot of trepidation in case I catch the virus in the crowd ... while on my way to the Spanish Sisters' convent to buy communion hosts. It was good to see Sr. Pelagia who makes and sells communion hosts. Because of the lockdown, I hardly see the sisters any more. I bought 100 small communion hosts from her and she added several more gluten-free hosts as a gift. Then I walked to M. Teresa's sisters to help the old sister who had the ankle operation. I wore the mask all through that. Not taking any chances.

Whaaaat???

Yesterday blogger changed my blog's format such that I couldn't upload anything new. What a disaster.

Small world

Mass today

Another Sunday celebration of the Eucharist at our little armenian catholic church. We're a very small community ... a dozen armenians, half a dozen african seminarians and myself. Our 2 armenian seminarians are in Greece studying the language and will soon be back with us when the airport reopens in September ... we hope. Still we're so happy to meet every Sunday and sing with all our hearts during the liturgy. We're restricted to 10 persons in the church but we're ok with that. The elderly parishioners don't come ... which is prudent.

And our african seminarians have learned to sing in armenian. Everyone appreciates that. It's a very difficult language but by joining in the singing, they showed they're part of the community. After Mass I brought both acolytes (today several of them couldn't come as they are making their retreat) to have brunch at a nearby cafe. We had lots of time to chat and laugh .... a good break for them from being locked down at home.

Last night over 5000 demonstrators battled police with water cannons and horses which went late into the night. Newspaper reports say protests erupted all over the country as never before. And everyone has noted there is no arab in sight. It's a totally israeli movement. The arabs have no interest in it as they gain nothing ... whether a new PM is elected or whether the pandemic is under control. It's quite a phenomenon.   https://www.timesofisrael.com/thousands-protest-against-netanyahu-government-across-country/?fbclid=IwAR3iXvLEEnE4HPapxEtjqeKeQCVVpBMZRQfKBb8y3NcLF901xmgzzI0QhNE

At the Post Office

I'm quite excited today because I've registered as an audit student to do a course on Coptic Christology with a coptic orthodox institute in Australia. Lockdown has given me lots of opportunities to discover more things, learn more things ... the world gets smaller even as I voluntarily isolate myself in my room.  

And talking about a small world ... I noticed at the queue to the Post Office a microcosm of Jerusalem: a catholic nun, a coptic monk, muslims, religious and secular jews, lay christians all wearing masks and waiting their turn to enter. No social distancing of course. A little world where there's no time for conflict ...

St. James feast

Endless stairs in the alleys

2022 new infections in the last 24 hours. The weekend lockdown is in effect .... I think. That means restaurants, malls, libraries, hairdressers, gyms are all closed till Sunday 5am. All other places are opened ... with conditions of restricted numbers of persons. So places of worship are limited to 10. But I don't see the Al Aqsa mosque enforcing that. Of course it's extremely spacious inside the compound so it doesn't get crowded easily. Anyway a newspaper report says Israel ranks 6th in world daily cases of infections per capita. Not a nice accolade ... it was one of the best in containing the pandemic during the 1st wave. What happened? I think everyone agrees ... schools were reopened too quickly without any planning, resulting in massive and rapid spread of the virus from classroom to home to workplace and places of entertainment. Also the whole system of tracing carriers is in shambles because of the politics involved. I think that's the major difference ... In Korea, Japan, China and many asian countries, tracing of infected peoples is extremely efficient. But here it's seen as invasion of privacy. I guess because they're haunted by all the secret service they employ .... and now it's aimed at themselves instead of others. A taste of their own medicine ... and it's bitter.   https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-said-to-rank-6th-in-daily-cases-per-capita-2022-cases-found-in-24-hours/

Ottoman balcony

I had to go to work again this morning ... very reluctantly as I don't want to mix around in the streets. I've decided to take a different route home now ... it skirts along the City Walls but from within the Old City. Narrow and steep alleys full of stairs. It's tiring to climb it under the hot midday sun ... but I do avoid people so I feel safer. Today there were 2 groups of local israelis making a tour of this part of the Muslim Quarter. They're secular jews who don't observe the Sabbath, so they travel, visit, smoke cigarettes and use cellphones all along the way. Tour guides are surviving on these local tourists to keep their trade alive. One amazing thing they love to see, and I too ... are the Ottoman period wooden balconies. Very iconic.

I came home before noon. Our sisters in the kitchen made white rice and fish curry and kept some for me. Fantastic! Had it for lunch. Tomorrow I'll make Laksa for them .... from packets of of course ... not from scratch!!! But before that, I'll need to clean my room, prepare the laundry and rest a little. After all it's the weekend! And being the feast of St. James, one of the local christian here albeit 2000 yrs ago ... it's a big celebration!

Cool cats

Cats lazying in the sun

The new infections have dropped by 100+ cases ... today's total was 1800+. Top health officials are unison in saying a total lockdown will stop the spread of the virus ... but other mediocre smart-aleck doctors Before the Sabbath begins in a few hours, we learn that hundreds of protesters have gathered again near the PM's house demonstrating again. Last night was violent. We saw videos of police and protesters clashing in the streets, and water canons dispersing people. It's worrying even people who are not protesting ... the sense of insecurity and confusion.   https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rk53418gw?fbclid=IwAR2jBnfhCNvWqeC36zAe8cF-QVe_YeDPdRoaclYUhAj8oCE5XV2hAo-TSbs

And yes, we're still not sure if there is a lockdown or not. The flip-flop of policies seem to indicate that all lockdowns of restaurants and public places have been overturned. But only a few hours ago, a newspaper was saying everything should close at 5pm today. People are flooding social media asking if there is or isn't a lockdown. It's so confusing.

Empty street

And next week will be even more tense ... the jewish feast of Tisha B;Av commemorating the destruction of the 1st Temple in 587BC and the 2nd Temple in 70AD will fall on Wednesday evening to Thursday evening. It's a day of mourning and fasting. But just as it ends, the muslim feast of Eid al Adha commemorating the sacrifice of Ishmael by Abraham starts and will end on Friday evening. And Friday evening usually marks the largest protests at the PM's residence. The police will be very stretched. And the City will be very tense.

Much as I dislike it, I had to go to work this morning as people were demanding books and I had to pay the workers their weekly wages. I had to wear gloves and masks as you can never be too careful nowadays. I've been constantly warned that the Christian Quarter is rampant with infected people. Along the empty alleys I saw 2 cool cats ... enjoying the morning sun and cleaning themselves. Not a care for the pandemic or lockdown or economy or food shortage. It's blessed to be a creature free from all these setups. Well that's what the weekend should be ... relax and without worries.

Weekend

Trimming olive trees

A 2nd day with over 2000 new infections. It's gone beyond scary. It's the twilight zone. Politicians continue to bicker and flip flop ... for example, gyms were closed but this morning the Coronal Commission reopened them; while the PM and ministers vow to close them again as soon as they can. The President lambasted the govt saying the State is not their rag doll to drag around. And Palestine is not faring any better. Though much lesser in numbers of new infections, only 151 cases a day ... still its health system cannot bear the load. Bad news all around.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rywZR98ew?fbclid=IwAR1C6uGapS62cmGW-jvRyAYblCpzNyf8yPm2aeSX_3AnhlAHa3-bDkhDO9I
and
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/rk1cD6UgP

Meantime tensions in the northern border has risen. Israel has deployed the army near Lebanon, fearing an attack. That's not very comforting for locals who are already stressed with the pandemic and economic crisis. Let's hope for the best that nothing happens.  

Protests around the country are still continuing and especially in front of the PM's house. There's no letting up here. I just hope it won't get violent again. There's no need to add to the misery. The whole City both east and west seem very subdued.

Few people at  Damascus Gate

I noticed the Municipality started trimming trees around the city parks and roads. It's unusual because we're in the middle of summer and the heat will kill the pruned trees. I guess the trees had not been attended to for the past 4 months during the lockdown so they have become straggly so now they've started the pruning. The olives trees are already fruiting. What a pity. Poor people usually harvest these public olives for their food during autumn.  

Well the weekend begins tonight. Here the weekend is Friday and Saturday. I hope to have a little more free time and catch up with my reading.

Little wonders

Wild grass growing tall on stairs

Today hits the peak of almost 2000 new infections. Damage control is out of the question as factions within the govt continue to fight each other. Rules are decreed and then reversed and then reversed again. Sectors of the public service continue to go on strike. And the general public are demonstrating daily in many cities ... sometimes violently. Tonight will be no exception.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/233XDAFVB?fbclid=IwAR1hdqzxtLsl-3XEz6_hVRilCxXyyHOXYnerCGRnhsAKG3BWtW_cjdAkdBg
and
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/ry1Ir3Elv?fbclid=IwAR2MSoe6XgNTMQiLh3DOhlTV-OxHeiVNd13YURRM0EFQ7gdZx1W4g_dfieM

And in the midst of the pandemic, the weather has warmed up considerably. Afternoons could go up to 32 degrees. Luckily there's a constant cool breeze which makes it bearable to walk outdoors. And another myth was blown .... heat doesn't kill the virus.

Flowers in my little garden

With the pandemic and heat, municipality workers have been cut down to 50% so one noticeable thing is wild plants are growing profusely in the parks, walkways and every crack in the wall and streets. I think for once these plants have grown to their full maturity without being pulled out. It's a blessing. It's like a sabbatical year when fields cannot be fallowed nor planted. And these wild flowers have very pretty flowers too ... some are almost extinct outside the Old City.

Well I guess the crises have a golden lining after all. And despite the pain and discord all around us ... we can still stop to wonder at the little miracles between the cracks of walls.

Chapati

Chapati and potatoes

Another super spike of infections .... 1800+ new cases compared to Sunday's 900+. It's a 100% increase. And the govt. continues to flip flop ... causing confusion among the public. The biggest flip flop see-saw is closing the restaurants. They were supposed to close yesterday but last minute they were allowed to open if they have open-air sitting space. Then suddenly this morning the ruling was overturned by the Parliament and at 5am this morning they were forced to close. At 10am opposition parties voted to reopen them again. I totally understand the exasperation of the restauranteurs ... desperation even. Some had dismissed their workers thinking they must close, then recall them when told they could open ... and dismiss them again when the ruling reversed.  Those who gave away food rather than let it rot in the freezer were equally pained by the reversals back and forth in 24 hours. I;m sure they'll be out in the streets this evening demonstrating at the confusion caused by the govt. In a simple word ... the govt. has lost it. Totally out of control and the govt. doesn't know what to do. Internal fighting between parties and within parties is causing a lot of suffering among the citizens.

Nurses called off their strike after 24 hours when the govt agreed to admit 2000+ more nursing staff to help in hospitals. Social workers however are in their 3rd week of strike. Teachers are warning of going on strike if the govt goes ahead with opening schools in September ... without sufficient precautions for students and teachers. In fact the Ministry of Education has declared it will not open schools though the govt. is determined to go ahead with opening. It's nothing to do with students' education of course. It's all about the economy. If kids stay home, the parents must stay home to watch over them and feed them. That means they don't go to work ... which means the economy suffers.

New Gate is deserted

The MC sisters made chapati and curry potatoes this morning for me. They asked me to celebrate Mass for them as no priest was available and their elderly sick sister cannot walk to the Holy Sepulchre. I never go out to celebrate Mass except for the Armenian community on Sundays ... but this morning was an exception. In the evening I celebrate Mass online for the chinese sisters as they avoid going out due to the massive outbreak of the virus. Places of worship are limited to 10 people only.  

I was dreadfully exhausted this afternoon after I came home from work. There was a one hour class and then there was library work in the other library and then I had to rush to the pharmacy to inquire for an elderly sick armenian lady about some medicines, When I got home at 1pm I felt so tired and dizzy that I went to rest immediately. It was 3 hours later when I got up. I guess the whole of last week's schedule has taken its toll on me. I need a quiet holiday by the seaside like Jaffa .... but this year the virus is preventing travel.

Fly a kite

Dawn

Uncertainty hangs in the air as lockdown rules flipflop again. Beaches and pools will be opened but gyms not. It's unsure if restaurants will forced to close tomorrow as it was already postponed from last Friday. There're still many details that are not clear ... what is allowed and what not. Restauranteurs threaten to defy the closure and will demonstrate tonight if the restriction is not cancelled.  Nurses have gone on strike for better conditions today, and social workers are in their 2nd week of strike for the same demands. Things have spiralled quickly out of control ... and it's not the virus I'm talking about. Society stability and economic security and healthcare are shaky. The govt must quickly come up with a resolute plan to assure the people.

News just in: schools, pools and beaches will be opened. Also restaurants will be opened. if they have opened spaces for sitting. I think totally enclosed restaurants will remain closed.  Only 951 new infections in the last 24 hours ... a far cry from the 1900 last week.   https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/govt-changes-direction-pools-schools-restaurants-to-remain-open-635664

Kite in the sky

In East Jerusalem life goes on as usual. No protests. They are used to the frugal lifestyle and anyway the police don't fully enforce the lockdown laws. I was told there are 120 active infections in the Old City. The hospitals in East Jerusalem have no means to treat all these so they are supposed to be in home quarantine. That effectively means they're walking about in the streets, visiting people and hardly at home. I have to be very careful ... even when going out to buy essentials. Kite-flying is the normal summer thing to do in the eastern part of town. There is one which flies very high and is almost permanently in the sky ... and has reflector mirrors that glitter in the dark at night. There are several others during the day ... and they're very professional. Someone mentioned if there are security cameras fixed to them to sly on people below. Well, I'm not into conspiracy theories ... summer comes only once this year and I'll not spend it worrying and fretting. I might just try to go and fly a kite.

Sunday normality

Damascus Gate market today

Lockdown was over this morning at 5am. But not before yesterday's countrywide protests. over a thousand demonstrated in Jerusalem near the PM's residence; and thousands more in Tel Aviv. Both ended in a bit of violence. In Jerusalem the police had to fire water cannons. I wonder when it'll all end ... there's so much tension in the New City. The protesters have vowed to keep it up till the PM resigns. I'm not holding my breath. Anyway the summer is certainly more eventful than I expected.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/S1G5nCelv?fbclid=IwAR2hFWvA9vNPTpTywLhFLY5ESwzYw6WaI-FppClBmbdGhABq_XVhNxA-Ua0

Mass today

Hawkers and street vendors are out again after the lockdown. And people are out buying food and provisions ... a little semblance of normality. I had Mass at the Armenian Catholic church. 6 of the African Missionary seminarians came ... including Parfait the deacon. It's good that they come because they have nowhere to exercise their ministries as lectors, acolytes and deacons. And they've learned to recite the creed and sing hymns in armenian as well. The local armenians are very proud of them. We kept the number of congregants to 10 as the lockdown rule stipulates. But I think next week there'll be a couple more. I'll have to see what to do.

I'm avoiding everyone in the house as the viral spread is rampant and our guys are out studying languages or hiking like yesterday with other people. Very imprudent during this spike ... I'll have to be very careful. Staying in my room means more time to study. Buddy and JJ play with me every moment ... till they get tired and go to sleep which is usually on my shoulders. They're melting for summer so the room is gathering with feathers. It's daily cleaning ... but since I'm home all day, that's not a problem. They're still my best companions during lockdown.

Too busy

Shops still open during lockdown

The weekend lockdown came into force but it was not totally taken seriously ... at least on the eastern side of Jerusalem. The western/jewish side observes the Sabbath so almost all the shops are closed and few people go out except to the synagogues. But on the arab side it's the weekend and people want to go about as usual doing their shopping. I lost my key to my office (it's become almost a habit now) so this morning I went to east Jerusalem to see if I could get a copy made. All 3 shops were closed. But shops selling clothes and shoes and toys were open .... In a way it didn't surprise me. The eastern side is like a different country with only arabs living there. Anyway I came home and after a few hours I saw a video uploaded on FB showing police enforcing closure of these shops. Anyway the infections have dropped from 1900 to 1000 so that's a good sign.
https://www.timesofisrael.com/tens-of-thousands-at-beaches-parks-ahead-of-expected-lockdowns-on-weekends/?fbclid=IwAR3M_rfD1G2_FCCLXMCGUNYyN6fSDi72Bo91TLFgY7WnFbiC_00a9fuP3qc

2am view of the Mt. of Olives

The lockdown involves only shops and not freedom of movement. We can still go out ... but with masks and distancing. The news say that next weekend the lockdown will be harsher ... beaches and other public places will be lockdowned as well. Churches will be limited to 10 people I think. I'll celebrate the Sunday Mass for the armenians tomorrow.  

Healthwise I survived yesterday's chest pains and dizziness and shortness of breath. It really felt bad and I thought a heart attack was on the way. Maybe I;m doing too much this summer. I teach daily for 4 hours during weekdays. Weekends I do my own reading and studies. I still wake up at 2am due to the coughing of phlegm and since I'm up, I water the flowers in both courtyards. Then I do some studying till 4am when I celebrate Mass alone. Then it's work in the library ... collecting used books, disinfecting them and all the furniture and tools in the library. At 7am I have to throw out all the garbage of the house and school ... which is a lot. Sometimes it's 4 huge garbage bags. They must be carried in a trolley 4 storeys down with the elevator to the road outside. Then it's administrative work in the library till 9am when classes begin. I guess I'll have to take August off as this routine is heavier than usual school semesters.

Lockdown again

Empty City Centre 

After tens of thousands demonstrated against the PM and virus infections hitting over 1900, the govt has finally decided to do something about it .... in a late night meeting which excluded medical specialists. It was a political decision ... not medical. Medical experts have criticised it. Some opposition members have opposed it. The whole thing is so divisive and controversial. And everyone agrees it's too little too late. Anyway a partial lockdown has been decided ... effected only on weekends.  That means from Friday 5pm to Sunday 5am. Restaurants, gyms and other public places will close completely all week. Food takeaways are only allowed. Now the vague area is libraries ... it's mentioned in the lockdown rules but it's not clear if libraries should close all week or only on weekends. I'll have to clarify this. For me it means either a workday or a holiday. Be that as it may, I've restricted my going out to work to only 2 mornings a week. All classes now are through Zoom. That's 4 hours of english classes each day. So a lockdown on weekends is good for me ... I can't go out so I just sleep and rest.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/H1rAe1CkD?fbclid=IwAR09EJfhihoP25DSldibF3w5sUzdSBDwr4MmxAv3Xc3n1zYJz_J5S2vUrXw
and
https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-fresh-virus-lockdown-restaurants-gyms-to-close-for-the-weekend/?fbclid=IwAR0oVfwpoQ_cfoVrHXGYm5u9wNEszXuNJ7t0KJrDT3ayztapc0QfpV_Jx8s

Lining up to enter govt. office

This morning I've been feeling very sick. The chest is very tight, I feel nauseous and giddy, and every once in a while a pain hits the heart area. I am afraid I'm heading for a heart attack ... so I keep my medicine closeby. It's a terrible feeling. But I have no fever and my bp is 127/80. Don't know why. I stay in my room with the aircon on so it can't be the heat. I hope it won't get worse. I don't want to go to hospital ... I'll definitely catch the virus there.

This afternoon is my last lesson for the week ... then I hope to sleep and read a little. And catch up with my armenian lessons. Summer is half gone and I don't want to waste it. So let the lockdown begin ... I'll make the most of it!!

Respite

Damascus Gate today

The last 24 hours saw 1578 new infections. The govt and law enforcers are still confused as to what they're supposed to do. Yesterday the PM ordered pools to reopen but not gyms but his own party voted against him ... so now gyms are also reopened ... in the midst of the highest spike we've had. While in some cities the police are over zealous ... ending up in physical violence on citizens who don't wear masks. Other places like here where I live, the police couldn't care less. Dozens of arabs walk by without masks ... even some police don't wear masks themselves. The inconsistency in which the law is enforced is creating confusion and controversy among the common folk. So we expect more demonstrations pro and against the handling of the crisis and all the collateral issues.

City walls built over mountain rock

This morning climaxed the weeklong tension of some workers and their salary dispute. I was thrown into the fray to be middle man ... and it was very tough trying to negotiate between the 2 sides: employers and employees. Finally this morning we had a face to face meeting between the 2 parties, with an open discussion regarding the difficult corona situation and payment of salaries and responsibilities and working full hours instead of cutting corners. Both sides agreed there would be no lowering of salaries but workers must work the full amount of hours according to the contracts. Next step is to sign the new contracts and implement the conditions. At least tonight I can sleep in peace ... no headaches or worries now that the negotiations are over. A nice respite. I had to cancel several classes because of this affair ... now I can resume classes.

For the past week I was also visiting an old MC sister who had had an operation and was sent to the Jerusalem community to recuperate. I taught the younger sisters how to do basic reflexology  and now after 5 days the old sister is able to walk ... and without a walker too! I'm glad she's recovering.

I've run out of bread. But I managed to find lemon/lime marmalade last week. I miss that very much. The now defunked Robertson company of jams used to make marvellous lemon/lime marmalade which I really like. Well that's my little consolation after mediating the legal situation.

Summer of discontent

Plumbago flowers

The weather is typical summer with highs of 32 degrees during the day but cool in the nights. There's been a strong night breeze blowing and the temp. drops to 20 degrees. At least there'll be no need for air-conditioners so less electricity is used and less pollution inn the air as a result.

Flowers are therefore blooming well because of the night cooling. Jasmines and plumbagos are doing exceptionally well. Huge clusters of white and purple blossoms are everywhere. Marigolds are blooming as well. And of course the ubiquitous geraniums found everywhere in the Holy Land. They thrive on hot, dry weather and require little watering.

The govt continues to scramble in reaction to public discontent. Small business owners want to be compensated (I think "aided" is a better word) for lost of income during the lockdown. Contradictory rulings flash in and out ... and there is no clear strategy as to what the country is doing to get back on recovering while addressing the 2nd wave of infections. As almost everyone agrees ... it's out of control. I only pity the weak and elderly who will suffer the most and might even die. I'm in that category.

A 2nd night of protests as ultra-orthodox jews in Jerusalem reject lockdown in their neighborhoods. It got violent as dumpsters were put on fire and police attacked. Such discontent must be scaring the govt as the ultra-orthodox hold the balance of power in this coalition govt. And the rabbis are very powerful. There's no saying what the consequence will be if this minority is upset.  https://www.timesofisrael.com/2-arrested-as-ultra-orthodox-protest-neighborhood-lockdowns-for-second-night/

Warak dawali & kousa mahsi with
tomatoes

Yesterday our cleaning lady decided to make warak dawali (stuffed grape leaves) and kousa mahshi (stuffed zucchini) cooked with tomatoes. She brought a pot over for me. Delicious! And piping hot from the stove as well.That's typical summer food for the arabs here. It's less heavy than the meat dishes loaded with oily rice such as makloubeh and mansaf. I think what I need during the afternoons is an ice cream. That'll be a perfect summer must-eat!

Protests

Ready for Mass at
the Armenian church

Another day with over a thousand new infections. That didn't stop ten thousand protestors from gathering in Tel Aviv against the govt's promise to compensate their small businesses. They received nothing so far. The evening protest was followed by a later one that was not legal and which became very violent ... with vandalism and attacks on police. Several people were arrested. Majority are leftist secular jews disgruntled with the govt's mishandling of the pandemic .... and they don't believe there's a pandemic nor a killer virus. To them, it's all a govt hoax to impose restrictions on society.

In Jerusalem another type of demonstration took place. Hundreds of ultra-orthodox jews blocked roads and attacked police because their neighbourhood is under lockdown. They are unable to see the link between unhygienic lifestyle and the spread of coronavirus. Their neighbourhoods are the highest and fastest spread of the virus but they disregard reality and want to continue praying in huge groups, not wearing masks and generally disbelieving that a pandemic exist. They are no different from the leftist secular in this regard.

Well I'm not involved in all that. I'm severely asthmatic so I'm not taking chances on anything. Had been home for the past 3 days. Today I went to celebrate Mass at the Armenian Catholic Church. Indoor worship is limited to 19 people. Today there were 7 faithful. That's enough for me.

Instant noodles with fishcake

After Mass I went to the New City to stock up on provisions as I don't plan to go to work the next few days. I'm staying indoors as much as possible. However I must still be careful as 3 of our students go out to study languages in schools ... thus coming into contact with lots of strangers. They can bring home the virus. So I'm staying alone in my room ... not mixing with anyone. I cook my own meals in my room ... which is either a piece of pitta bread with something or instant noodles. Today I went to the asian grocery to buy thai fishcake. It'll give some flavour to the otherwise insipid noodles. I'm now down to survival mode. Will need to ride through this 2nd wave of infections as it's a lot less easy to identify.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/r1W88SdkD?fbclid=IwAR3kR876zYl8c_PRR1DCUF2BgxwcUyArp7IpQUo5eRBI19YlMr1l00w01gw
and
https://www.timesofisrael.com/at-risk-groups-less-hard-hit-in-2nd-wave-causing-fewer-serious-cases-analysis/?fbclid=IwAR35rTjkZZuR4wrmgAzYXKt2cctZFYajp1KWWj-fHR0Ep0vXTFN1xw9UDUI

Tawjihi Day

Dawn on Tawjihi Day

This morning, explosions were heard all over East Jerusalem and the Old City ... some fired just meters from my window. And it's going on from 8am till now 8pm. People not in the know think a war has started ... panic messages in social media. But it's Tawjihi ... the equivalent to GCE 'O' level results released. Those who pass celebrate by firing fireworks in broad daylight. Those who have cars will drive around the City honking their cars. For most of the kids, it's a milestone. But for equally many, there're no jobs available nor universities to attend. It's the end of the road. A huge struggle to survive lies ahead. Those with financial means might do some technical training or go to college. But for the majority it's loitering in the streets and depending on parents for food and lodging.

The Holy Sepulchre has been closed again ... as is the Basilica of the Nativity. We received warnings to keep social distancing and wear masks and wash hands ... something which we should all be doing for the past months. Because of disregard to these laws, the virus has spread again.   https://www.timesofisrael.com/jerusalems-church-of-holy-sepulchre-shuttered-again-amid-coronavirus-resurgence/?fbclid=IwAR0GPcJsEm0KQrmEt1XUL3drlB8PUlcDwtYaE1zj-LkHo_mSohwrNz9afNs

Boy selling bread

And yesterday's news that the Hagia Sophia basilica all be turned into a mosque appalled everyone ... well christians mainly. So much was destroyed once before in 1453 when the Ottomans besieged it ... and now more will be destroyed. The amazing golden mosaics will probably be plastered over again. I dread to even imagine what will happen.  

This morning I was given several articles to translate and correct. I had wanted to go to work in the other library but the heat was too much for me to walk there so I decided to stay home and finish this translation task. Luckily I stayed home ... because the loud explosions of fireworks have frightened Buddy and JJ all day. They were flying all round the room in panic. By afternoon there was a pattern in their panic behaviour: each time a series of fireworks exploded, Buddy would fly into the toilet to hide. JJ would fly to my shoulder and I have to keep him in my hands so he feels safe. Poor boys.

Lockdown

Zinnias at Munici-
pality Square

1464 cases of new infections in the last 24 hours. Lockdown in several towns and neighbourhoods around the country begin in half and hour. The govt is avoiding a wholesale lockdown as it doesn't want to affect too much the economy. However the rampant infections in East Jerusalem and the Old City is not being addressed. Sick people continue to walk in the narrow streets and not wearing masks. And the police are not enforcing the law in this part of the City. It's frightening. I just learned that Jack our christian pastry chef who has a small shop in the Christian Quarter is positive with the virus. No one knows how many more christians are infected. I'll have to avoid the narrow streets when going to work ... better use the major road outside the Old City.   https://www.timesofisrael.com/government-shutters-virus-hit-neighborhoods-in-5-cities-as-cases-hit-new-high/

I've decided my english classes will now be taught over Zoom. I don't want to meet my students in person ... not just that I don't want to catch the virus but more so that they don't come into the Old City and get infected. Arab news say the Old City is rampant with carriers and is a medical keg waiting to explode.

Few people in
City Centre 

So much negativity ... it's depressing. I've stayed home for 2 days now. Did some gardening this morning to get my mind off such dreadful news ... and prayed for friends who are ill right now. A couple of poor families have called to say they need food. I told the MC sisters to provide food for them and I'll reimburse them later. Another family called to say they cannot pay the school fees of their daughter for the Spring semester. I'll have to gather some donations to sponsor this case.

And to top this all, I want to continue reading and studying. It's my summer plan and it makes me very happy. Lockdown can be fun ... depends on how you want to live it.

Too little, too late

Almost empty City centre

A record 1,231 new infections in the last 24 hours. News media and social media are blaming the govt for failing to contain the pandemic. The long awaited coalition ... after 3 elections in 1 year ... formed to combat the pandemic ... simply failed to give. It was more interested in the annexation of palestine. And that came to nothing. And so did the combat against coronavirus. Now with the situation out of control, hospitals on the edge of crisis, millions of citizens disregarding the toothless law, police not enforcing the toothless law ... the over all picture is of doom and gloom. A politician even warned that collapsed businesses will lead to violence, while demonstrations continue here and there. There is even an outbreak in the army which has now quarantined 10,000 soldiers. So one hospital chief decided to give some hope.   https://www.timesofisrael.com/bloated-and-sidetracked-netanyahu-gantz-govt-is-failing-israel-in-covid-fight/   and   https://www.timesofisrael.com/dont-panic-israelis-shouldnt-be-too-worried-by-virus-surge-hospital-chief/

Homemade pitta

Anyway the govt is warning it will lockdown 9 towns or neighbourhoods. That includes Jerusalem which has the highest rate of infection. I hear it might begin tomorrow (Friday when loads of muslims from across the country gather in the Al Aqsa Mosque) or Saturday (Sabbath when jews gather in synagogues). Everyone thinks it's too little, too late. I had bought dried noodles and some canned food just in case we're locked in again. And I have pitta for 10 days and some bottles of jam. That'll be enough for 20 days' survival.

And our indian sisters succeeded in baking pitta bread. I haven't tried it yet because I had bought enough for 10 days. But it's good to know we're able to make our own arab bread. Bravo!

I've just completed a free online course on health and healing in ancient Rome. Very interesting. Now Ive registered to study online another course ... on english literature. It's something I planned to do this summer during the partial lockdown. My summer holiday plans are on track! And even better ... my chest pains and asthma attacks have reduced significantly.

Death and life

2 coffins

With over a thousand cases of new infections a day ... some cities have been placed under lockdown. I think it's mostly ultra-orthodox areas as the news mentioned one ultra-orthodox settlement where residents are fleeing in droves to escape the lockdown. Stupid thing is they'll carry the virus to all other parts of the country. How is the police going to round them all up now? Newspaper report says this new wave is more serious and more victims need ventilation equipment. Hospitals are crying out for help as collapse in the health system is imminent. For the muslim arabs, it's the month of weddings and all the celebrations have led to a rapid spread of the virus. So both sides of the border is being hit hard. And the worst news is that people who have recovered or were mildly infected may end up with brain damage or neurological problems. Just when you think things can't get any worse ... bad news keep coming. While walking to work with my mind filled with all these dreadful thoughts ... I saw 2 coffins by the side of the main road. Not sure if they're occupied ... but it's between St. Louis Hospital and the catholic morgue.    https://www.ynetnews.com/article/OBHF7E1YX?fbclid=IwAR3jWBkGqqH1OSuaER0XNosI2TZajbum0tE4igxTzcNgoLrM9fUnemSuSsc
and  https://www.ynetnews.com/magazine/article/SyfG0yXkD?fbclid=IwAR1RJJ8MOiGbVYxOMXGJcOGn3hva0N_UHjSSegw5vfsWbU1hdAtkKckcjfU
and   https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/08/warning-of-serious-brain-disorders-in-people-with-mild-covid-symptoms

The sad reality which has hit several countries in the 1st wave ... is "model" countries that handled the pandemic are now losing control of the 2nd wave. The good example has now become that bad example.   https://www.timesofisrael.com/once-a-source-of-pride-israels-covid-response-now-a-cautionary-tale-for-world/?fbclid=IwAR363xBjBh-ZQ9S6WHHrEvDWqUGI2iPHlVh6cJJISQa-hb_ellq9dmrukAw

Playing in the new park

My headset is spoilt so I have difficulty with online classes. I must use the computer built-in microphone but it gets too loud and disturbs the people living in the rooms next to mine. I don't know how to squeeze some free time to go buy a new one.

Meantime I also saw a happy sight ... children and families playing in the new park at Damascus Gate. It gives a sense of normality, of summer fun in an otherwise tense and worrisome time. Just wish those enjoying the park would wear masks and keep distance!!!!

Garbage man

Crowds at Immigration Dept.

The Knesset (parliament) passed the bill to enforce stricter measures on public behaviour this morning. This was after the enforcement was anticipated yesterday with force of law. We see photos and videos of police and municipality agents warning people in public, even arresting and handing out fines. I really hope this will slow down the infection .... in the last 24 hours the number has shot up to over a thousand again, with 4 dead. I've realised that those who protest against these measures are leftists ... who claim there is no such need for lockdowns and masks and distancing ... it's all a rightwing conspiracy to silence the left. Well it's clear there's a lot of politics behind the viral infection strategy ... but to ignore the virus' existence is to condemn the country to ruin. The population will be decimated and weakened ... and consequently the economy will suffer in the future. You can't have a workforce 15 years from now that's constantly sick.   https://www.ynetnews.com/article/G93IWBSKE?fbclid=IwAR3YGa5ODazAzBcKTdaFhfw4xUEGlsZRCmzATCZL7vK2qLCNJSP6ziodKOk

Me the garbage-man

Israeli social workers continue their strike ... which is really critical now that infection rates have soared. I guess every sector has been hit hard but going on strike is not going to create more money in the national treasury. My good friend Rudy who used to sell souvenirs in front of St. Peter's Church in Jaffa just wrote a long post in his fb ... detailing how he's decided to close for good his shop as 3 months without business means no return, no recovery. He mentioned his depression and sadness but now he's accepted the reality and is trying to look for new venues to start a new job. I really wish him the best. He's always been kind and support to others ... now he needs our support. I on the other hand won't be out of work ... I'm the garbage man of the house. Every morning between 4am to 7.30am I gather loads of garbage from the house and throw them out at the designated bins in the street ... waiting for collection from the tractors.

Immigration Offices in Jerusalem were shut down last week ... no reason given. Now that it's reopened, huge crowds are lining up to get their passports or visas. The path to North America is open so people can still go in and out of the country to America and Canada. I guess that's how the virus travels from continent to continent.

Partial re-lockdown

Homemade bread

The govt. has finally decided to impose a lockdown on pubs, gyms, culture venues and event halls, as an official declared that the coronavirus is out of control. A little too late, I'd say. By leaving out cafes and restaurants which are only restricted to 20 persons, and leaving out synagogues ... there is anger why the lockdowns were selective. Actually a pro-religious minister threatened that synagogues be opened ... otherwise .... And the ultra-orthodox ministers threatened to pull out of the coalition govt. if their religious schools (yeshivas) were restricted. So in the end ... it's not public health that's the concerns the govt; it's political games. The Deputy Health Minister say the 2nd wave of infections are worse than the first ... though rumours say it's actually milder.   https://www.timesofisrael.com/deputy-health-minister-2nd-wave-worse-than-1st-mass-gatherings-must-stop/?fbclid=IwAR21ukP77CLa6tTVFljkvmcgFkxFsomWRLxdSHDRNTWBOfBV99bd8P8rxEY

Meantime the latest news is Israeli hospitals are collapsing as more and more people rush to emergency units. I really hope something is done soon ... or the pandemic will destroy more of the economy that the govt seems to think.   https://www.ynetnews.com/article/SyYEmhxkD?fbclid=IwAR2s6qOTA7r7rsYv-DyyozC0tE3kEmTrNktUkRoKIvwK3eKC8m0l-A95f-0

Jasmine over the wall

Palestine has seen over 500 infections and is asking Israel to close the borders as they believe most cases were imported from workers going to Israel to work and returning to palestine each evening. But the palestinians are clamouring for work ... most are too poor and unskilled to do anything else but construction work in Israel.  

By the way ... one of our students is a great baker. During these months of lockdown, we've avoided going out to buy bread so one of our students volunteered to do it. His brother in Latin America is a real baker and gives instructions through the phone ... and voila! Each week we have loaves with ginger or orange or lemon zest. Great stuff.

And this afternoon on my way home, I noticed the thick jasmine bush climbing over our 15 foot wall. Because it's not been trimmed, it's very luscious and flowering despite the heat.  A beautiful sight.