SIck

Palm Plaza at night - tense

 There was more violence during the weekend. Arabs shot and killed 2 Jews in the streets of Hawara ... a small village at the foot of Mt. Gerizim just before entering Nablus. In retaliation over 200 jews stormed the village by night and torched 30 homes and injuring many arabs. The violence will not end. And of course conspiracy theories abound ... the most common being this is a distraction to divert attention from the Judicial Overhaul move by the govt to limit and override the powers of the Supreme Court.

There are repercussions here 90 km away from Hawara. Police have stepped up their presence and stopping arab youths at every corner. It doesn't bode well as it only escalates the tension. Goodness knows where all this will lead to. 

I'm still recovering from a weeklong flu infection. My Covid tests are negative. It's high fever, sore throat, lost of voice, nausea. But the worse is the fever that doesn't go down. Many in my house are down with it. 3 of my library workers are down with it. I don't care what it is as long as I get over it. It is very exhausting to be constantly sick.

In Syria we can't speak of reconstruction of the fallen towns and cities yet. Debris must be cleared away, then building material must be brought in. But this will not happen because 1) Syria is uncer sanction so nobody can import anything; 2)ISIS controls the other half of th country and they don't allow outside things from entering. It is so complicated ... and the poor people suffer.

Tension

Displaced parishioners
sheltering in our church hall

The day before saw deadly violence as Israeli soldiers entered Palestine to raid the city of Nablus. 11 dead and hundreds wounded. 

There was a stabbing attack, possibly in revenge, at the outskirts fo Jerusalem. Gaza fired rockets into Israel this morning. Police are anticipating more revenge attacks. Arabs have called for a day of strike - shops are closed throughout our area. Things are escalating fast.

The weather has warmed up alot and the almond trees are blossoming. Summer is in. I was told by my doc that I need sunlight for vitamin D. Well this summer looks to be very sunny and hot so there'll be no shortage of sunlight. Let's hope this will help our poor people in Syria who are still suffering from the cold in the Orontes Valley. Anyway your help is still needed to alleviate the tragedy of our Christians in that region. 

拜苦路

 Way of the Cross

Open Letter by Jewish Scholars

 *Open Letter of Support from Jewish Scholars*

Greetings to members of all Christian communities in Israel,We, scholars of religion and the humanities at universities and colleges in Israel, wish to express our support in the face of the continual acts of hostility directed at your communities, churches, monasteries, and holy sites. We respect and cherish the time-honored traditions that tie you to the Holy Land and the rich heritage of your communities. The long-standing and uninterrupted presence of Christians in Jerusalem and elsewhere is dear to us. We join you in urging the authorities to take decisive action against the wrongdoers responsible for these offenses, and to protect members of all religions from hatred, ignorance, and violence.

לבני ובנות הקהילות הנוצריות, ברכת שלום,אנו, חוקרות וחוקרי דתות ומדעי הרוח באוניברסיטאות ובמכללות ברחבי הארץ, מבקשים לחזק את ידיכם אל מול מעשי האיבה המתמשכים כלפי העדות השונות, הכנסיות, המנזרים והמקומות הקדושים לנצרות בירושלים ומחוצה לה. אנו מכירים ומעריכים את המסורות ארוכות השנים הקושרות אתכם לארץ הקודש ולמסורת העשירה של קהילותיכם. הנוכחות הנוצרית העתיקה והמתמשכת בירושלים ובארץ ישראל רצויה ואהובה, ואנו מצטרפים לקריאתכם לרשויות לפעול ביד חזקה כנגד התוקפים ולהגן על בני כל הדתות בישראל באשר הם מפני שנאה, בורות ואלימות.

تحياتنا لأبناء وبنات الطوائف المسيحية في إسرائيل،نحن المحاضرون والباحثون في مجالات دراسات الدين والعلوم الإنسانية في الجامعات والكليات في جميع أنحاء البلاد، نود أن ندعمكم في مواجهة الأعمال العدائية المستمرة ضد مجتمعاتكم وكنائسكم وأماكنكم المقدسة. ونشارككم في حث السلطات على اتخاذ إجراءات حاسمة ضد المسؤولين عن هذه الجرائم، وحماية أَعضاء جميع الأديان من الكراهية والجهل والعنف. نحن نحترم ونعتز بالتقاليد العريقة التي تربطكم بالأرض المقدسة والتراث الغني لمجتمعاتكم. إن الوجود الطويل الأمد والمتواصل للمسيحيين في القدس وما بعدها عزيز علينا.

Προς όλες τις Χριστιανικές κοινότητες του Ισραήλ,Όλοι εμείς, οι ακαδημαϊκοί που διδάσκουμε θρησκεία και ανθρωπιστικές σπουδές σε πανεπιστήμια και κολέγια όλης της χώρας, επιθυμούμε να εκφράσουμε την υποστήριξη και αλληλεγγύη μας προς εσάς, και να δηλώσουμε πως καταδικάζουμε κάθε επίθεση στις κοινότητες, στις εκκλησίες, στα μοναστήρια, και στα ιερά προσκυνήματα σας. Εκφράζουμε τον σεβασμό και την εκτίμηση μας για τις βαθιές παραδόσεις και τους ιστορικούς δεσμούς που σας δένουν με τους Αγίους Τόπους. Η μακροχρόνια και αδιάλειπτη παρουσία των Χριστιανών στην Ιερουσαλήμ και άλλου έχει αξία για εμάς. Ενώνουμε την φωνή μας με τις δικές σας στην έκκληση που κάνετε στις Αρχές για να λάβουν δραστικά μέτρα εναντίων των δραστών αυτών των επιθέσεων, και τις καλούμε να προστατέψουν τα μέλη όλων των θρησκευτικών κοινοτήτων από την μισαλλοδοξία, τον σκοταδισμό, και την βία.

Salutations aux membres de toutes les communautés chrétiennes en Israël,Nous, chercheurs en études religieuses et en sciences humaines dans des universités et des collèges en Israël, souhaitons exprimer notre soutien face aux actes d'hostilité continus dirigés contre vos communautés, vos églises, vos monastères et vos lieux saints. Nous respectons et chérissons les traditions ancestrales qui vous lient à la Terre Sainte et le riche patrimoine de vos communautés. La présence ancienne et ininterrompue des chrétiens à Jérusalem et ailleurs nous est chère. Nous nous joignons à vous pour demander instamment aux autorités de prendre des mesures décisives contre les auteurs de ces délits et de protéger les membres de toutes les religions contre la haine, l'ignorance et la violence.

אנו החתומים מטה:

Dr. Tamara Abramovitch, The Israel Museum Jerusalem and Shenkar College for design art and technology Prof. Domenico Agostini, Tel Aviv University Dr. Shir Aloni Yaari, Bezalel Academy of Art and Design Dr. Netta Amir, independent scholarOrly Amit, Tel Aviv University Prof. Reuven Amitai, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Bat-ami Artzi, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Prof. Doron Avraham, Bar-Ilan University Shira Batit, Bar-Ilan University Dr. Dan Baras, Bar-Ilan UniversityPro. Em. Ron Barkai, Tel Aviv UniversityProf. Meir Bar-Asher, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Elitzur Bar-Asher Siegal, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Michal Bar-Asher Siegal, Ben-Gurion University of the Ngev Stav Shufan-Biton, Bar-Ilan University. Prof. Israel Bartal, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Nira Bartal, Hadassah Hospital and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Renana Bartal, Tel-Aviv University Dr. Ruth Bartal Prof. Yair Bartal, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Daniel Bar-Tal, Tel Aviv University Dr. Reut Barzilai, University of Haifa Dr. Tzafrir Barzilay, Bar-Ilan University Dr. Zoe Beenstock, University of Haifa Prof. Anna Belfer-Cohen, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Nirit Ben-Aryeh Debby, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Dr. Jonatan Benarroch, The Hebrew University of Jeruslaem Dr. Karma Ben-Johanan, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Sara Benninga, Tel Aviv University and Bezalel Academy of Art and DesignDr. Idit Ben-Or, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Rivka Ben-Sasson, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Ram Ben-Shalom, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Itzhak Benyamini, Bezalel Academy of Art and Design and Tel-Aviv University Prof. Ayelet Ben-Yishai, University of Haifa Prof. Galia Benziman, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Dina Berdichevsky, Tel Aviv UniversityDr. Nadav S. Berman, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Prof. Louise Bethlehem, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Michal Biran, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Michal Birkenfeld, Ben-Gurion University of the NegevShiri Birenboim, Tel Aviv University Prof. Brouria Bitton-Ashkelony, The Hebrew University of jerusalem Dr. Moshe Blidstein, University of Haifa Shir Blum, Tel Aviv University Prof. Adrian Boas, University of Haifa Dr. Neta Bodner, The Open University of Israel Prof. Gideon Bohak, Tel Aviv University Dr. Eitan Bolokan, Tel Aviv University Prof. Em. Bracha Yaniv, Bar-Ilan University Prof. José Brunner, Tel Aviv University Dr. Chiara Caradonna, The Hebrew University of JerusalemMarganit (Niti) Cassapu, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Danielle Chen, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Raz Chen-Morris, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Leigh Chipman Dr. Roni Cohen, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Dr. Naama Cohen-Hanegbi, Tel-Aviv University Prof. Kobi Cohen-Hattab, Bar-Ilan University Prof. Manuela Consonni, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Leo Corry, Tel Aviv University Dr. Adam D. Dan'el, Sapir College Dr. Amit Dagan, Bar-Ilan UniversityNureet Dermer, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Aviya Doron, The Hebrew University of JerusalemDr. Michael Ebstein, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Avner Ecker, Bar-Ilan University Gila Elad, Tel Aviv University Dr. Ella Elbaz, University of Haifa Prof. Miriam Eliav-Feldon, Tel Aviv University Prof. Em. Bat-Zion Eraqi Klorman, The Open University of Israel Dr. Aya Elyada, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. David Enoch, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Em. Esther Cohen, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Ayelet Even-Ezra, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Peter Fabian, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Dr. Yoav Farhi, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Guy Fassler, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Prof. Shmuel Feiner, Bar-Ilan University Dr. Shai Feraro, University of Haifa Prof. Ruth Fine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Chaya Fischer, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Hallel Fischer Birnholtz, Tel Aviv University Dr. Gil Fishhof, University of Haifa Prof. Tova Forti, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Dr. Yaniv Fox, Bar-Ilan University Shachar Francesca Orlinski, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Luba Freedman, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Miriam Frenkel, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Head of the Ben Zvi InstituteProf. Yehoshua Frenkel, University of Haifa Prof. Gideon Freudental, Tel Aviv University Tammar Friedman, Bar-Ilan University Dr. Rachel Furst, University of Haifa Prof. Yair Furstenberg, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Rivka Gersht, Tel Aviv University Prof. Isaac Gilead, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Prof. Eyal Ginio, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Ruth Ginio, Ben-Gurion University Prof. Simona Ginsburg, The Open University of Israel Dr. Snait Gissis, Tel-Aviv University Dr. Mae Goder-Goldberger, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Dr. Karni Golan Dr Nurit Golan, Tel Aviv university Dr. Elisabeth Goldwyn, University of Haifa Dr Natasha Gordinsky, University of Haifa Prof. Tamir Goren, Bar-Ilan University Prof. Yuval Goren, Ben Gurion University of the Negev Prof. Naama Goren-Inbar Nurith Goshen, Israel Museum in Jerusalem Prof. Eitan Grossman, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Anna Gutgarts, University of Haifa Prof. Em. Guy Stroumsa, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Ori Hacohen, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Neta Haggai Aranyi, The University of Haifa. Dr. Merav Haklai, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Prof. Aviva Halamish, The Open University of Israel Dr. Yisca Harani, Yad Yitzhak Ben-Zvi Prof. Orna Harari, Tel Aviv University Dr. Ido Hartogsohn, Bar-Ilan University Prof. Galit Hasan-Rokem, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Or Hasson, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Yitzhak Hen, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Director of the Israel Institute for Advanced StudiesProf. Tamar Herzig, Vice Dean for Research Faculty of Humanities, Tel Aviv UniversityDr. Dafna Hirsch, The Open University of Israel Prof. Sylvie Honigman, Tel Aviv University Dr. Matti Huss, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Richard I. Cohen, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Tsipy Ivry, University of Haifa Prof. Eva Jablonka, Tel Aviv University Dr. Ruth Jackson-Tal, The Hebrew University and the Israel Museum, JerusalemProf. Abigail Jacobson, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Silvana Kandel, University of Haifa Dr. Vera Kaplan, Tel Aviv University Prof. Shaul Katzir, Tel Aviv University Prof. BZ Kedar, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Claudia Kedar, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Dorit kedar, Tel Aviv University Dr. Sharon Khalifa-Gueta Prof. Yosef Kaplan, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Em. Menahem Kister, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Assaf Kleiman, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Prof. Aviad Kleinberg, President of the Rupin Academic Center Prof. Aryeh Kofsky, University of Haifa Adi Sarah Kohai, Tel Aviv University Prof. Ilana Krausman, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Dr. Bar Kribus, Tel Aviv University Dr. Gili Kugler, University of HaifaProf. Em. Bianca Kühnel, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Ayelet Langer, University of Haifa Stav Lavon, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Gunnar Lehmann, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Prof. Gerardo Leibner, Tel Aviv University Dr. Sivan Lerer, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Bar Leshem, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Dr. Vladimir Levin, Center for Jewish Art, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Jennifer Lewin, University of Haifa Dr. Orly Lewis, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Ahuva Liberles, Yale University Prof. Ora Limor, The Open University of Israel Dr. Shachar Livne, Van Leer Institute Jerusalem Dr. Danny Luzon, University of Haifa Dr. Gadi Luzzatto Voghera, CDEC Foundation Milan Italy Dr. Emma Maayan Fanar, University of Haifa Prof. Aren Maeir, Bar-Ilan University Roni Maizler, Tel Aviv University Dr. Nathan Marcus, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Prof. Yossi Maurey, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Naomi Meiri-Dann, Bezalel Academy of Art and Design and Tel Aviv University Prof. Em. Menachem Fisch, Tel Aviv University Dr. Tamar Menashe, Emory University Dr. Amitai Mendelsohn, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem Prof. Paul Mendes-Flohr, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Ronit Meroz, Tel Aviv University Dr: Talila Michaeli, Tel Aviv University Dr. Dan Mirkin, Tel Aviv University Dr. Ronnie Mirkin, Tel Aviv UniversityMordechai (Mordy) Miller, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Prof. Noam Mizrahi, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Arik Moran, University of Haifa Dr. Lee Mordechai, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Yonatan Moss, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Oded Na’aman, THe Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Shlomo Naeh, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Iyas Nasser, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Eran Neuman, Tel Aviv University Dr. Dafna Nissim, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Prof. Galit Noga-Banai, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Nurit Novis-Deutsch, UNiversity of Haifa. Prof. Inbal Ofer, The Open University of Israel Dr. Na'ama Ohanna-Arom, Bar-Ilan University Danielle Omesi Moisa, Tel Aviv University Prof. Nissim Otmazgin, Dean of the faculty of humanities, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Em. Outi Bat-El Foux, Tel Aviv University Michal Ozeri, Tel Aviv University Prof. Ilana Pardes, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Ahuva Passow Whitman, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Orit Peleg-Barkat, The Hebrew University of JerusalemLaura A. Peri, Israel Museum, Jerusalem, and Israel Antiquities Authority Dr. Micha Perry, University of Haifa Dr. Tomer Persico, Shalom Hartman Institute Dr. Avi Picard, Bar-Ilan University Dr. Lotem Pinchover, Tel Aviv University Prof. Assaf Pinkus, Tel Aviv University Prof. Yona Pinson, Tel Aviv University Prof. Meira Polliack, Tel Aviv University Prof. Aldina Quintana, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Oded Rabinovitch, Tel Aviv University Prof. Iris Rachamimov, Tel Aviv University Prof. Em. Rachel Milstein, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Itamar Radai, The Open University of Israel Dr. Yoel Rappel, Bar-Ilan University Dr. Sivan Raveh, Bar-Ilan University Dr. Dvir Raviv, Bar-Ilan University Dr. Yosefa Raz, University of Haifa Prof. Revital Refael-Vivante, Bar-Ilan University Prof. Raanan Rein, Tel Aviv University Prof. Elchanan Reiner, Tel Aviv University Prof. Daniel Reiser, Herzog Academic College Anita Reisler, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Nir Reisler, The Hebrew University of JerusalemProf. Em. Elisheva Revel-Neher, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Ronit Ricci, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Alex Ripp, Tel Aviv UniversityDr. David (Dudu) Rotman, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Adolfo D. Roitman, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem Prof. Freddie Rokem, Tel Aviv University Prof. Jochai Rosen, University of Haifa Prof. Steve Rosen, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Dr. Anat Rosenberg, Reichman University Prof. Lilach Rosenberg-Friedman, Bar-Ilan University Prof. Ishay Rosen-Zvi, Tel Aviv University Prof. Claudia Rosenzweig, Bar-Ilan University Prof. Pinchas Roth, Bar-Ilan University Dr. Tamar Rotman Prof. Jonathan Rubin, Bar-Ilan University Prof. Em. Rehav (Buni) Rubin, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Aynat Rubinstein, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Serge Ruzer, The Hebrew University of JerusalemProf. Mariana Ruah Midbar, The Academic College of Tzfat and University of Haifa Prof. Galia Sabar, Tel Aviv University, Former President of Ruppin Academic Centre Prof. Shalom Sabar, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Em. Sarah Stroumsa, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Rachel Sarfati, Chief Curator, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem Dr. Alon Schab, University of Haifa Dr. Sagi Schaefer, Tel Aviv University Prof. Miriam Schiff, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Adiel Schremer, Bar-Ilan University Dr. Ray Schrire, Tel Aviv University Prof. Daniel Schwartz, The Hebrew University of Jerursalem Prof. Yossef Schwartz, Tel Aviv University Dr. Tsafi Sebba-Elran, University of Haifa Dr. Einat Segal, Kibbuzim College of Education, Technology and the Arts Prof. Michael Segal, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Arik Segev, Sapir Academic College Anat Sella Inbar, Sapir Academic College Dr. Orly Senior Niv Prof. Iris Shagrir, The Open University of Israel Prof. Oron Shagrir, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Ido Shahar, University of Haifa Dr. Idit Shaked, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Zur Shalev, University of Haifa Prof. Sarit Shalev-Eyni, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Racheli Shalomi-Hen, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Faydra Shapiro, Tel Hai Academic College Prof. Miri Shefer-Mossensohn, Tel Aviv University Prof. Hizky Shoham, Head of The Program for Hermeneutics and Cultural Studies of Bar-Ilan UniversityProf. Ephraim (Effie) Shoham-Steiner, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Prof. Eviatar Shulman, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Dalit Simchai, Tel-Hai Academic College Dr. Uriel Simonsohn, The Haifa Laboratory for Religious Studies, University of Haifa Prof. Moshe Sluhovsky, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Reuven Snir, University of Haifa Dr. Gal Sofer, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Dr. Jonathan Stavsky, Tel Aviv University Prof. Dina Stein, University of Haifa Dr. Oded Steinberg, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Shlomit Steinberg, Senior curator of European Art, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem Dr. Yuval Tal, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Rina Talgam, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Daniella Talmon-Heller, The Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Oz Tamir, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Lea Taragin-Zeller, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Hannah Teddy Schachter, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Amir Teicher, Tel Aviv UniversityProf. Em. Chava Turniansky, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Mor Hajbi, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Ithamar Theodor, Tzfat Academic College Prof. Nurit Tsafrir, Tel Aviv University Prof. Yulia Ustinova, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Dr. Anat Vaturi, University of Haifa Prof. Gal Ventura, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Sandro Ventura, Shir Hadash, Comunità Ebraica Progressive, Florence, Italy Prof. Dror Wahrman, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and President of the Academic College of Tel-Aviv-Yaffo Dr. Eynel Wardi, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Judith Weiss, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Dr. Rachel Werczberger, Haddassah Academic College Prof. Cana Werman, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Prof. Em. Jon Whitman, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Shmuel Wygoda, Herzog Academic College Dr. Ynon Wygoda, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Em. Yael Bentor, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Moshe Yagur, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Alexander Yakobson, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Yolanda Yavor, Tel Aviv University and Oranim academic college Prof. Uri Yiftach, Tel-Aviv University Dr. Hanan Yoran, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Prof. Israel Yuval, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Avinoam Yuval-Naeh, University of Haifa Dr. Naomi Yuval-Naeh, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Gur Zak, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Avihu Zakai, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Rachel Zelnick-Abramovitz, Tel Aviv University Dr. Shelly Zer-Ziion, University of Haifa Prof. Yossi Ziegler, University of Haifa Dr. Ariel Zinder, Tel Aviv University Dr. Oded Zinger, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Boaz Zissu, Bar-Ilan University Dr. Uri Ziv Shachar, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev

Flu

Elderly parishioner sheltering
in our church hall

The flu bug is around. And one old guy in our house is with it for over 2 weeks now ... refuses to stay in his room and has now affected one third of my community. Me included. I had a high fever, sore throat and lost my voice since yesterday. The head is all stuffy and muddled. I tested for Covid. Negative. But I'll stay in room so as not to infect others. 

Our friars continue their tireless work with the thousands of refugees sheltering in our churches and schools; feeding them and providing blankets against the cold. The elderly are most vulnerable now. Since the 2 quakes yesterday, more families are coming for shelter because their houses that survived the first quake, have cracked due to the 2nd and 3rd. Pray for them.

Jerusalem has been rocked by tens of thousands of Israelis flocking to the PM's house to protest his attempt to override the Supreme Court's powers. That way the pending court trial against him for corruption would be overruled, as would other cases against other ministers; or convicted ministers can come back to serve in parliament; or laws against arabs or others be curbed. It's a very scary prospect for all minorities as our rights can overnight be cancelled.

But yesterday there was one more protest and riot ... by ultra-orthodox Jews against the police for arresting one of their own because their vandalised a cellphone shop that is not kosher. The City center was at a standstill as traffic and tramways were blocked by thousands of ultra-orthodox Jews.

All these balagan (chaos) ... and it's not even summer yet!

Another quake

 There's been a new afterquake this morning in Turkey-Syria. It was 6.3 on the Richter scale and many buildings collapsed. The misery of the refugees are intensified. While the day time is a little warmer now, the nights are still very cold. Without electricity and heating, the people are freezing in the cold. Our friars are dong their best to shelter and feed them. A couple of nursing nuns I met yesterday offered to go and serve those needing basic medical aid. I hope they get their visa.

Little children

Refugees in our church hall

Earthquake aid

Our Fr. Khukaz, ordained last
year, serves food to our refugees
of the earthquake in our
parish hall.

Our young friars have left for our 4 churches in the Orontes Valley affected by the earthquake. There are over 4000 living in our school and parish hall in Aleppo alone. We serve 2500 meals a day. Flour, oil, salt and other basics must be bought from other cities unaffected by the earthquake. Our parish in the village of Knaye is the worst hit. We have no news so far due to lack of electricity. The village is under ISIS control so it is extremely difficult in there right now. Pray for them.

Thanks to everyone for your generous support of our work with these victims in Syria. We will pray for your kindness. I received news that M. Teresa's convent was only a little affected ... 2 cracks that are superficial. They are sheltering 2 families in their convent which is already full of handicap children.

Yesterday our Old City was almost under chaos as thousands of muslims came to the Al Aqsa to pray. It was the feast of Mohammad's ascension to heaven ... which took place in the Al Aqsa mosque so that place was the center of the celebrations in the entire muslim world. Israeli police were out in force. The eastern City gates were packed with people. Moments of tension and provocations were sporadic. Riot police drove to break up the crowds ... who regathered to jeer. I had to pass by there yesterday as a visiting priest and friend came. As I cannot walk fast or run, being around Damascus Gate at that moment was a little dangerous. 

Franciscan volunteers

 Franciscan friars volunteer to bring aid to our parishes in Syria in relay teams

Aid

Another cold wet day ... grey skies and gloomy. I was thinking of our people in the earthquake. How they lack warmth and food and medicine. It's awful. This morning I received some photos f our young friars bringing food to the 4000 sheltering in our schools and church halls. It's very sad. There's a big need for aid and everyone is trying their best to do what they can to relieve the pain and tragedy in our 4 towns in Syria. A short prayer, a moment to ask God to have mercy ... it makes a difference to our poor people in this cold winter.

Cold

Herod's Gate plaza ... cold

 The weather is cold and damp. But there were sunny moments ... and almond blossoms are blooming so the cold spell should be over soon. I just wish we had more rain. It's been a very dry year. We need more water otherwise water prices will rise in summer and drought taxes will be reenacted. Tonight and tomorrow there'll be drizzle.

There are fewer people in the streets due to the cold. Only school children going to and from school fill the streets with noise and some life. Shops open late and close early. Only the food shops are busy selling hot meals and drinks.

But the cold hasn't stopped the protests continuing against the govt's plan to reform the judiciary. And there was a fire near or in a hospital right in downtown. Warnings to avoid the surrounding streets flooded social media. Roads had been blocked.

I've been forgetting to take my medicine the past 3 days. I've been bogged down by so much work I hardly have time even to eat. And I'm down to a veggie diet with occasional egg or chicken and rarely fish. I found fish fingers sold in some shops so I bought a pack to try. Not a great meal but it gives me some protein from an otherwise veggie diet. Everything is so expensive nowadays. The sisters just told me a carton of eggs is now US$10.  Thank goodness it'll be Lent soon ... fasting and abstinence will reduce our food expenditure.

Scouts and Guides

Scouts & Guides collecting
donations

The City is packed with tens of thousands of protesters from all over the country ... gathering at the parliament house Knesset to protest the govt's plan to overhaul the judiciary so the govt is above the law. Streets are blocked with cars and protesters crowd the city center, bringing the city to a standstill. Despite all that, the extreme rightwing govt pushed ahead with the 1st reading and is now tabling it for approval. It is very scary in a democracy to have the govt and its ministers above the law. They can do anything with impunity.

Yesterday there was a car ramming attack which killed several people at a bus stop just outside of Jerusalem. The violence is not abating. The country is torn by internal and external forces. The earthquakes last week were like premonitions of the internal upheaval of the country.

The earthquake death toll has risen to 40,000. I was told there are 2,500 refugees sheltering in our Aleppo school and monastery. We still don't know how many more in Lattakia, Jacoubieh and Knaye because ISIS controls these villages.

Last Saturday night as I was coming home, I passed by the main street of the Christian Quarter and met a group of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. I asked them what they were doing in uniform out in the night. They said they were knocking door to door asking for donations for the earthquake victims in Syria. This group of students was made up of ethnic Syrians whose parents or grandparents had fled Syria years ago and came to live in Palestine. I found it very touching that they remembered their homeland and were doing something to help.

Cold

Collapsed buildings

The weather has turned drastically cold again ... with no rain or wind. It was down to 1 degree this morning. The rest of the day was just as cold.

I can just imagine the cold in Syria which is further north. We're receiving news that bodies continue to lay in the streets. ISIS that controls those villages where our Franciscans have missions, do not allow us to bury the dead. They just sent a video to me ... dead bodies in a hospital I think ... all lying on the floor. Awful. 

Let's continue to pray for all of the victims. Our Patriarch has told us to fast and make penance for this tragedy. We also pray the rosary as a community for this. Join us spiritually. And if you wish to help us financially, please write to holylandassist.blogspot.com for more details.

Help 2

Children sleeping in our
classrooms

The earthquake is still our main concern. 16,000 dead. News continue to flow in of our christian families sheltering in our schools and church halls. Missing family members ... frantic searches, desperate prayers. It's very heartbreaking. The fear, cold, unknown future ... all gripping a people already suffering from a 10 year war. They need help. Can you pray for them? Or offer financial aid? Our Franciscan Custody center in Jerusalem is ready to receive donations to aid our refugees in our schools and churches. In fact I was approached by our superiors to fundraise aid for this tragedy.

Israeli govt is warning everyone to prepare for an overdue massive earthquake to hit the country. We were hit by 2 minor earthquakes yesterday ... 24 hrs after the Turkey-Syria earthquake. One was 3.5 in strength and was centered in Samaria; the other was 3.9 centered in Lebanon. It's getting serious! I better recheck my emergency pack - medicines, documents, torchlight, winter clothes and water. Hoping I'll never have to use it.

Help

Refugees at our monastery
in Latakia

Yesterday's post raked 1401 views ... that's a record. I wonder how many are just stalkers. Anyway I guess the topic of the earthquake is catching everyone's attention.

11,200 dead from the earthquake. It's a dreadful tragedy and all manner of help is needed - from prayers to financial to going and serve in those affected places. Of course I won't recommend the last option as you would need to be a professional. But everyone can pray ... and we should. The poor victims have lost everything, and in this cold and rainy winter with no food, medicine or family. The friars in Aleppo and Latakia are doing their best to shelter the survivors in our schools and parish halls. 

I was asked this morning to help raise funds for our parishioners ... for our churches sheltering the victims. If you can help, please write to holylandassist@gmail.com

Thanks very much

Earthquake!!

Sheltering in our
monastery

It rained all night. And all morning as well. It feels freezing. I had to go meet the librarian of the Dominican Ecole Biblique as we had an appointment this morning at 8. It wasn't the best weather to go out. I was totally soaked when I reached it. We had an hour of discussion and checking up books. Then Fr Bernard the librarian offered to drive me to my office since his car cannot enter the Old City. You need to be registered with the police to drive into the Old City.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake at the Turkey-Syrian border hit us as well. It could be felt not just here but all the way to Egypt. I didn't feel it but a student who was up in the library (3.30am!!!) felt it. It was powerful.

St. Anthony statue in our
Aleppo church

Our mission areas in Syria were struck. Both Aleppo and Latakia had many casualties. Our monasteries immediately opened up to shelter the victims. The winter spell is very cold right now, with rain and sleet. The people needed shelter and food. Our buildings were damaged but not bad enough so we could still offer a place for the many families.

On the Turkish side, the Capuchin cathedral collapsed. The various religious convents are also trying to offer shelter to anyone, though their own buildings are damaged. They'll need alot of help to dig up victims buried beneath the rubble. And in this rain and cold, it will not be easy. Pray hard for them.

Snow?

Heavy rain and cold

The temp dropped drastically to 4 degrees and a heavy drizzle ... sometimes breaking out into a shower ... is battering us. The winds are gale force. And the weather forecast says it feels like -3 degrees. Believe me it really feels like below zero. Absolutely freezing.

Some forecast say it might snow tomorrow. Well I'd really like that ... it finally feels like winter. Except for the usual problem ... the rains cause electrical blackouts in our neighbourhoods. So we don't get heating if there's no electricity. That's awful. Everyone is just huddling under their blankets to stay warm.

Despite the weather I still had to go to work. Walking as slowly as I do uphill 1km to work in the rain is something you won't want to do if you can avoid it. But I had some special guests coming ... the librarian and his assistant  of the Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate. They wanted to see our manuscripts, so I should them some of our treasures. Then our head of Cultural Patrimony showed them our material artefacts and relics and ancient archives. Then we had lunch with our main community. It was a good meeting. But immediately in the afternoon I rushed home ... afraid the rains would get heavier. Well I;m wet and cold and hiding under my blankets ... hoping the electricity doesn't go out again.

Give them a king ...

Jewish solidarity

 This morning we celebrated a Mass in reparation for the desecration of our Church. All the bishops and nuncio, with representatives from the Orthodox and Protestant churches came. A jew desecrated our church, but we have to do the reparation. Will the govt pay for the repairs?

A group of leftwing jews and rabbi came yesterday to show solidarity with us. They mean well. But then again I'd say it's too little too late: why hasn't the Israeli left done something more significant to stem out these jewish extremists? Why a far-right govt that encourages such anti-christian hatred? Because the left is in total disarray from infighting and lack of leadership and no focused agenda. There is nothing to check and balance the far-right power. Not even the judiciary which the govt is passing a law that allows the govt to override the judiciary. The far-right is now all powerful, with nothing to hinder them. Except God.

1Samuel 8:4-22

4 So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. 5 They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead[b] us, such as all the other nations have.” 6 But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. 9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.” 10 Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. 11 He said, “This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. 12 Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. 14 He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. 15 He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. 16 Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle[c] and donkeys he will take for his own use. 17 He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. 18 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.” 19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. “No!” they said. “We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.” 21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the Lord. 22 The Lord answered, “Listen to them and give them a king.”

Justice and truth

 A huge delegation of representatives from many embassies arrived this morning to show solidarity with us after the jewish terrorist attack on our church. Don't know how much that'll help us. The ambassadors of all these countries should protest vehemently and demand justice be done. Call it as it is: an anti-christian hate crime. No newspaper dares to call the perpetrator a jew ... but all the shopkeepers around our house swear he was speaking hebrew with the police who apprehended him. Newspapers simply say he's an "american tourist" and "insane" ... which of course automatically absolves him of all crime and will be let scot free. Will we ever get justice?

Diplomatic delegations this morning

My church attacked!

Destroyed statue

Three jewish terrorists came to our chapel of the Condemnation (2nd Station of the Cross) and destroyed the statue and tried to burn it.  

Attacks on Christian churches and christians have risen since this extremist govt took power. It emboldens these extremists to attack us with impunity. We all know these culprits will be declared insane and so released.

This is not good. The anti-Christian feelings have always existed and sometimes they're expressed in violence. But the past 3 months we've seen a consistent open attack with no arrests. 

The rest of the world especially Christians should be aware of this.

Storm

 

Musrara in mud

Despite the sunny bright morning that lasted 3 hours, the storm returned and temp fell even lower ... feels like zero degrees now with a gale force wind whipping through the country. And as usual of rainy winter days, the electricity cuts off either due to overload or more probably short-circuiting due to the underground wiring system that gets wet. I stopped counting how many types the electricity stopped. Can't use the lift, can't use the electric heater, can't boil hot water. It's freezing cold and miserable when there's no electricity. I imagine how the poor and refugees in our surrounding countries must be suffering in this cold.

Musrara neighbourhood which is under municipality makeover is like a war zone. Mud everywhere as roads have not been paved. I had to go out in the storm to buy medicine. I was down to one pill today. I thought I had another box but I was wrong. So in the dark and cold, I walked out to the pharmacy. And since I was out, I decided to buy food supplies as well. It was quite a different experience from a normal day. Few people in the streets. Few cars and motorbikes in the streets. Hardly anyone uses an umbrella ... which is useless anyway in this gale force winds. Everyone is just dashing from one awning to another. The numerous kabab stalls on wheels were all missing. No charcoal smoke and smell of roasting meat. 

One good thing is this cold stormy weather deters terrorism. Let it rain on!!!