Is there biking in Jerusalem?: Sheleg! (Snow!)

As you've no doubt heard or seen by now, there was a big winter storm in the Middle East last week. I have mixed feelings about having missed the "hundred year storm" that brought several consecutive days of snow to Jerusalem. On the one hand, the city is absolutely magical in the snow - at least it was last January. On the other hand, people were without power - in blackouts - in my old neighbourhood (HaMoshava HaGermanit). And, without electricity in Jerusalem in the winter, staying warm can be a bit of a challenge. A few people have gas insert fireplaces, but many people don't. And, of course, many people who live in the mountainous regions of the Middle East -- e.g. many refugees in northern Jordan -- live in canvas tents that offer little protection from the elements. And while the snow flew in the highlands, including Jerusalem, the rains were hammering Gaza producing horrible flooding and making an already incredibly hard place that much less comfortable. Winter storms in a region unequipped to manage them (or keep people warm) brings additional hardship for many people.

Gaza - Dec 10 - photo credit - CEAHecht

I've received several photos from friends in Jerusalem so here's a few to give you a sense of what this last week has been like.

It started out with a few flakes...