33 The Shikshuk

It all began thanks to the initiative of local artists and, of course, wonderful Ziv Hadas – whom we miss very much to this day and for whom there is no substitute (in time I will tell the history of "Kore BaMoshava", the special local newspaper that Ziv established and in which I also participated, which was unique and there has never been anything quite like it). The idea was to create a monthly gathering on Friday mornings, lasting until the onset of Shabat, taking place in the shade of the wadi's wonderful trees, situated in the center of the moshava. An open-air market, where everyone would be free to sell anything whatsoever, be it old books or records, toys or second-hand clothes; or set up a stand and offer freshly squeezed orange juice, warm pita with za'atar or cake.

This market was a big success from its very beginning. The entire moshava streamed to it – as well as many who came from far away. The simple homey atmosphere, the informal get-together, the pleasantness and festivity of a Friday morning, as well as the modest musical events – combined to make the market an enjoyable and popular event.

But other times followed. The local council started making problems and justified its position by citing the complaints of neighbors, noise, parking problems as well as the reason that some activities had failed to end before the inception of Shabat and the ultimate reason – security. The police made conditions that were financially prohibitive and promised the end of the Shikshuk.

None the less a wonder has occurred. Like the legendary phoenix the market came back to life. Even with its organizers forbidden to enter the confines of the Shikshuk it takes place again every month with the children who come to sell old cassettes and put up their stands to sell juice and pita – and this week some children appeared wearing white T shirts which bore the inscription in Hebrew and Arabic: "Bridge Over the Wadi".