A new and glorious day!

Just a few observations about safety and security (Mom, this part is especially for you!) :)

The pastor on Sunday mentioned some of the unrest near his home. I do not know what part of the city he lived in, but a couple of our students saw some demonstrations (tire burning) on their first night in the city (Saturday). Mom and Dad will be pleased (?) to know that my excursion to the Old City on Saturday night would have been greatly discouraged by the people at Hebrew University, BUT I had NO issues aside from the challenge of lugging my heavy suitcase through the Old City and up and down stairs. :) We have have seen a couple of plumes of smoke in the valley in East Jerusalem (the Arab section). We guess that they are part of demonstrations which we are told have been including the burning of tires. Although we have seen these fires, they have been a distance from us. Here on campus at Hebrew University IDs and bags are checked upon re-entry to campus. There is security checking bags at most doors, especially to eating places. Throughout of the city, the police and military are very evident. In places where I remember soldiers when I was here before (15 years ago) there are larger groups of soldiers. Places where I don't remember soldiers and police now have a presence.

I feel very safe, although still vigilant. :)