Clash

Just before the clash

 It's Sabbath today. The streets in west Jerusalem are very quiet. Shops are all closed except for a couple of groceries and restaurants that don't keep Sabbath. I rather enjoyed the tranquility of Sabbath as I walked slowly to work. I was feeling weak as I hadn't eaten for fear of another bout of diarrhoea. In the arab east of the City, it was bustling. Muslims from all parts of the country come to pray at the Al Aqsa and do alot of shopping. And being Sabbath, Jews from all over the country come as tourists to the Old City, guided by jewish guides who need the job now that tourists haven't been coming for 18 months. It's the arab cafes and restaurants that are making brisk business nowadays with local tourists. Anyway everyone benefits, so I guess it works.

Last night on my way home, I walked past Damascus Gate which stinks from skunk water that the police have been shooting at arab rioters. There's been riots for over the past 5 evenings. I'm not sure why exactly. But it's been quite violent. Anyway there was a growing crowd of arab youths surrounding the road above the cavea of Damascus Gate. They were not provoking the police there, just chatting and watching the police ... waiting for the police to make the first move. It was very tense. I would have stayed on and photographed the entire clash if not for the fact that I wasn't feeling well. Maybe if I'm feeling better I might go out and watch the clash tomorrow night.

Anyway it's the weekend and I've finished my work for this week so I look forward to a relaxing Sunday. But knowing my luck ....