The School and the Shuk

The Shuk in Sderot

Sderot Israel is a quiet town. There is rarely a traffic jam. There isn't much crime. And the people seem to get along. Even the kassams have stopped coming here - for the time being.

You'd think the shuk - the outdoor market - would be the loudest place in town. And it is pretty lively. Every Sunday and Tuesday, this little area in the center of town fills up with tables and tables of vegetables, fruit, pastries, kitchen ware, and clothing.

The vendors shout for hours: "Yarad, Yarad, the price went down!" "Everything on this table for a shekel! Everything for a shekel, lady, eveything for a shekel!

Sometimes there is bickering. Sometimes dickering. Sometimes people don't act too friendly, and don't act politely at all. There are many faces unused to wearing even the sightest smile. Yet still, Sderot's outdoor market is a favorite place to go.

As for the noise level in Sderot's shuk? It's not nearly as loud as the traffic in Tel Aviv. Even the commotion of the crowds scurrying about Jerusalem could drown out the outdoor marketing in Sderot.

If it's noise you're looking for - loud, unreasonable sustained noise, don't go to the outdoor market. Go to the schools.

More later . . .