Palestinian Exam Party

• This morning we awoke to the sounds of... daytime fireworks. 
• Jerusalem's Facebook message boards were filled with confused people asking why there was so much noise. The reason: school.
• Education is one of the values most prized in Palestinian society, so kids study hard to become doctors and engineers (every family has one).
• The Palestinian Ministry of Education releases all grade 12 tawjihi exam results Saturday at 8AM via SMS.
• So people in the West Bank and East Jerusalem set off fireworks to celebrate good results, though early birds started lighting them before 5.
• COVID-19 lockdown restrictions have made this even more challenging, but it’s a celebration that everyone can enjoy from their home. (neighbours were partying in their yard, so when we passed by, we honked melodically in respect.)
• This year, girls dominate with the top 13 spots in arts and most of the top ten in science, including 1st place.
• According to Israeli media, those without access to fireworks fired guns in the air.
• Also, there were so many fireworks this year, the cities of Ramallah and Nablus were full of smoke.
• Still, one wonders if they could next time delay the fireworks until 8PM and enjoy some in the evening? Just a thought.