demonstrations in jerusalem...

the orthodox jews in jerusalem have been

upset about some recent changes in

some of the city's' Shabbat laws.

this has caused some recent riots

near the old city of jerusalem.

a few weekends ago when i was in

jerusalem there was another demonstration.

the orthodox jews are upset because the city

allowed a parking garage to be used

for parking on shabbat

because tourist coming to the old city

on shabbat have cause problems

by parking in random places.

but the orthodox jew's beliefs do not

allow driving on shabbat,

and so it is upsetting to them to see their

city making it easier for people

to drive on shabbat.

the weekend i was there in jerusalem,

there was only a demonstration

and not a riot,

but because of other recent riots, 

the city police were very

prepared because of other recent riots,

and so there was many police and soldiers

on hand to control any possible outbreaks.

some of my friends who live in jerusalem and

i walked down to see the demonstration

and i got some pictures...

police vans lined up near the demonstration area

a soldier unpacks gas masks...

young orthodox guys taunt a police officer

who is standing nearby...

young orthodox girls and children watch the

demonstration from across the street...

orthodox men demonstrate by shouting and

moving around in the street...

police lined up, ready for action if needed

across the street from the demonstrators...

soldiers lined up behind the police...

i heard that the government had brought in 1,000

extra soldiers into jerusalem to help bring the

rioting under control...

a young orthodox boy walks down the street...

an orthodox father and his young children...

brothers...

it is very sad to see the disagreements and 

divisions here in israel...

seeing them first hand is definitely a reminder

to pray for the peace and salvation of israel...

…pray for the peace of Jerusalem…

they shall prosper that love thee.

peace be within thy walls,

and prosperity within they palaces…

for my brethren and companions sakes,

i will now say, peace be within thee…

because of the house of the Lord our God,

i will seek thy good…

psalm 122