New Warnings in Jerusalem Shuk

In 1997, 16 people were killed by suicide bombers and

over 175 wounded at the Machane Yehuda Market, the Shuk.

Ten years ago another 7 people were killed in a terrorist attack at the Shuk.

Six years ago during the Second Lebanon War, 

I made aliyah and moved a short distance from the Shuk.

At first, every time I ventured out to the center of town or to the Shuk, 

it felt like a big deal, with fear of it being my last trip.

What if today another suicide bomber was out for a midday murder mission?

However, what I found in the Shuk was very different from what I expected;

Arab women strolling freely and shopping,

mountains of garlic before it is dried,

and Natan Sharansky buying fresh pita.

This month’s Balabasta Festival has brought more people to the Shuk.

 There is security at the entrance, but now a new warning is needed:

 the crowds have returned, so hold on to your kids!

The Mystorin Theater Group has some of the most clever performers. 

They performed two nights last week near the Shuk.

It is hard to describe what they do with costume, light and color.

This scene in the amphitheater was projected on to a large screen

and was created by hand with sand sprinkled on a light table

The ‘Sea in Jerusalem’ show also had several dance performances.

 People walking by also stopped to look at the larger-than-life actors.

However, be warned:

 this show was not appreciated by everyone as it was way ‘out of the box.’

These new warnings for the Jerusalem Shuk may be amusing, 

however,

 this caterpillar, constructed of cement pipes, is located in a park in Sderot

to provide immediate shelter for children who play in the park.

When Hamas decides to send a kassam rocket from Gaza,

the children of Sderot do not always get a warning.

Last night another rocket landed in southern Israel.

 No one was killed.

How can there be any excuse for trying to blow up children,

with or without warning?