We have cease-fire now. Meaning the only people that get killed are settlers. Also meaning that Palestinian cities are open and they can come and work in Israel. Our current Meir (sp) (city head?), unlike previous one, employs Palestinians. I *can* understand him - 40 year man, who was born in this climate will do better job on sweeping and gardening than 60 year old professor from Leningrad. And he got paid less, because he doesn't pay to IRS. So yesterday I came home late and met at the door my 3d floor neighbor, wished me good new year and told me, that I don't have water, because my water watch (clock?) was stolen. One of about hundred in our area. I need to file complain at police station and then municipality (sp) would give me a new watch. 19:30. closest working police station is half a hour away. By taxi. Municipality (sp) is closed till next morning. 30 degrees Celsius. 75% humidity. I am dripping with sweat. No water? The door stayed open and my cat Oscar got out. (fortunately he afraid of strange people and on seeing my neighbor returned immediately). So I phoned the other victim - my 4th floor neighbor. He wasn't at home, but his daughter told me, that he took care of the watches and I *do* have water. Great! Shower! But what's next? My 4th floor neighbor phoned me about half an hour later - I don't have to go to police, he filed complaint for all our building (18 watches out of 24 apartments) - him being our house committee helped. And, because of the amount, we are getting discount for a new watch - only, about, 150$ (instead of 250$). In our neighborhood were stolen about 200 watches, all small gas balloons, several cars and one track. My 4th floor neighbor is ex-piecnik. He told me: "See this as your semi-voluntary contribution to well being of Palestinian People. You *are* going to sign petition to the Meir, aren't you?" As I am writing these lines I got a phone, from him - last update, two Palestinians (our municipality employees) were stopped in the stolen track (because of the track) at some roadblocks. All gas balloons are there, but only 50 water watches. So, I guess, my donation is still on.
Ilana
