Wailing sirens and the Wailing Wall

Yesterday as a big group field trip, all 82 of us plus faculty treked to the western wall at sunset to see the devote welcome in Shabbat (Sabbath, today, saturday). En route, we were passed by many police cars and ambulances, but we didn't think much of it; Jerusalem is prone to car accidents. I have already witnessed two and have seen the aftermath of probably5. Anyway so we get to the wall, walk in and see lots and lots of people: modern, tourists, orthodox, conservative, you name it! I was expecting a slightly melancholy group mourning the loss of their temple but that is opposite to what I witnessed. Kids were dancing, people were singing, families were hugging- it was quite the party! we went over to a group of girls who were standing in a circle singing and dancing. Without hestation, the girls/women welcomed us in with open arms, grabbing our hands and teaching us the words to their Hebrew songs. I have never felt so readily welcomed in my life. It was amazing! We danced and sang with the group for a while, then headed over to the temple wall itself to observe the festivities. The joyful atmosphere permiated the entire plaza. It was an inspiring experience!
At the preappointed time, we met back up with our group near the entrance and were told the reason for the sirens earlier in the evening. There had been a shooting and two Palestinians had been shot and wounded in the neighborhood right outside of Dung gate, right outside the western wall plaza. Ah! So instead of walking back, the center bused us home. While waiting in the two buses for everyone to be loaded, the professors did a head count and came up with 81...we walked in with 82.... It was more funny than anything; the kid missing is the one you would expect to be. The kinda quite, super funny, suprisingly adventurous, and totally oblivious one of the group! Bless him. Well we all took the buses back while security stayed and looked for him. He, however, beat everyone back. He had taken a taxi home when we couldn't be found! Officaily a successful night.