Obama's sandstorm

Israelis now have another reason to dislike President Obama. The timing of this trip angered Jerusalemites from the beginning and now one of our worst nightmares has come true. A sandstorm has grounded the President's helicopter and as a result, he is traveling by car to the airport. That means that the main Jerusalem - Tel Aviv highway is going to be closed from 1:30 - 4:00 pm. The Sabbath starts at 5:17 pm.

Due to strong winds and sand storms on Friday, US President Barack changed his plans to fly to Bethlehem in a helicopter, opting instead to travel in a convoy of cars. Highway 1 between Jerusalem was due to be blocked between the hours of 13:30 and 16:00. 

Additionally, Obama's official farewell ceremony from Israel's Ben Gurion airport has been cancelled due to a sand storm that has enveloped central Israel. Instead, there will be a small ceremony which will take place on the tarmac.

Hope he didn't make a mess of your Sabbath plans.