Abu Dis, Container (Wadi Nar), Tue 4.8.09, Morning

07:00 Wadi Nar

Traffic flowing and random checks (mostly of transits) performed so as not to impede traffic; vehicles released within minutes.

08:00  The Pishpash (eastern side)

We decided to check the progress of work on the wall on this side.  In order to avoid an encounter with last week's problems when we not allowed to cross, we arrived from the east. Directions:enterEl-Azariya from the direction of Maaleh Adumim, continue straight along the main road westward until it winds right, and you reach a church on the right, with a number of souvenir shops beside it.  From there take the first right turn up a road which looks fairly new and leads directly westward.

The work is almost finished.  Windows of homes which have become part of the wall are visible, as is the security road, almost paved, and the new shiny pillbox.

Archaelogical digs can also be seen.  The archaeologist there told us that the security road passes over a system of  underground  wells  and an olive press from hasmonean times.      According to him, throughout the period of the wall's construction and until the present, there were only 2-3 spots which the antiquities authority has missed in their preliminary investigation, and this was one of them. In this case, the contractor had reported the finding (his interest is to obtain further commissions, and not risk a later discovery by the antiquities authority of a find not reported by the contractor.)  The plan is to cover the findings, and the road will pass directly over them.  They expect the archaeological work to continue for a couple of months.

09:00  Sheikh Jerakh, the protest tent

In the wake of the settlers' new invasion the protest tent in its former location has been destroyed.  An improvised tent outside the occupied homes has been set up.  The atmosphere is heavy.  

Assistance personnel wander around.  Over the fence, the occupying settlers mill around the courtyard.  One of the local residents showed us, over the fence, construction debris that had accumulated in the couple of days since the settlers arrived.  He said they were busy breaking down walls, and creating "facts" to conceal the fact that 8 families had been living there, creating the impression that only two apartments had been there.  The sights were harsh.