1682 injured Palestinians, 83 deaths -17 kids- and 487 injured in Gaza alone. 7 Israeli fatalities -2 kids- and 281 injured. The official data by the United Nation Office for the Coordination of Human Affairs is overwhelming but cannot describe how tense the situation is in Jerusalem and in all the Country. At this very moment, military forces are waiting for the green light to break into the Gaza strip.
Clashes began on April the 13 and Ramadan, the fasting period observed by Muslims. The situation worsened after the Isreali authorities decided to evict some families in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood, a few minutes from the historic heart of Jerusalem.
From the 28 of April the protests in demonstration of solidarity with the families became a daily appointment. Every day, after the Iftar, the meal ending the fasting, revolts arose in East Jerusalem in Damascus’ Gate, Lion’s Gate and in Al Aqsa Compound, where the Dome of the Rock is.
During the day, the Old City streets are quiet: many shops are closed, worshippers praying in the Holy Sepulchre are less and less. Schools and offices may be open or not, except for the Humanitarian ONGs that are now busier than ever in giving first aid to injured ones.
Jerusalem is living in a tension state that seems not to find an outlet nor a solution. By night streets and palaces resound with the cries of those protesting, of police’s sirens. Sound bombs exploding and gunshots can be heard as well as the fuss following tear gas and filthy-water cannons used on the crowd in order to make people escape.
All of this is happening a few steps away from the heart of Christianity and forbids believers, Muslims and Jewish as well, to pray in Jerusalem, to peacefully live in the holiest of the cities. Access to worshipping sites is limited by the military authorities and, in Al Aqsa case, one of the trouble hotspots, is completely forbidden.
Because of the escalation of violence, the vigil of the Ascension, traditionally taking place all night long in Mount of the Olives, could not take place: some friars and sisters prayed there for vespers but Jerusalem’s night was not cheered up by chants and music as usual. From the top of the mount you could see the police lights, you could hear the first explosions.
This incessant state of tension is still growing. This escalation of violence is limiting every chance of building bridges of Peace. Even the Terra Sancta Museum, a few steps away from the Lion’s Gate, was precautionary closed. Here, where an international team of experts of various faiths is trying to build dialogue and peace, the fear for the security of our staff, the museum’s collection and for the public prevailed.
We are not giving up though. Even when, hopefully, a frail armistice will be opted for, we will still tirelessly work to achieve a long term peace. We will do what we do best: foster bonds to fight divergences.
