, Abu Dis, Sheikh Saed, Thu 19.11.09, Morning

6:45 Sheikh Saed

Very few people, no delays.

6:50 Sawaharra (west)

Many children await transportation in the area in front of the checkpoint.  A few minutes after seven o'clock the area is empty.

 

Families living on the east side park their cars west of the checkpoint, to save the time of travel through the checkpoints.

Our arrival was greeted with contemptuous roars of laughter from the guards who came to replace the shift.  They arrived in civilian vehicles, by the road along the fence, from the direction of Sheikh Saed.

 

The checkpoint commander, a border-policeman, spoke to us courteously. We crossed east through the checking hut.  Inside the gloom of neglected and grey places prevails. Doors and gates open and shut without evidence of human agency -- not recommended for the claustrophobic.  The roars of laughter outside can still be heard.

7:50 The Pishpash

 

A border-police jeep arrived before 8 and opened the gate.  Small children were assisted by parents and kindergarten teachers to climb the high steps. One of the policemen asked a workman smoothing the earth on the western side, to help the children.

 

Paving and building work in the area continues.  It appears to be connected to the road which will run parallel to the wall.