South Hebron Hills, Tue 14.12.10, Morning

Translation: Bracha B.A.

This shift is a "purposeful" shift whose aim is to meet with N. who is denied entery to Israel.

Meitar Crossing

By 08:00 all workers had already passed through, and only three busses with prisoners' families are still waiting to cross.

Route 60

Traffic was as usual except for an IDF jeep standing at the entrance to Shamo'ah and checking vehicles. There is a pillbox on the hill to the left of the road opposite Dir Razak. There is now evidence of more construction there. Three army bulldozers are working and have no problem pushing away roadblocks and entering the village, piling up more roadblocks as they do so. We hope there are no plans for more settlements but this should be followed up. The soldiers at the Dura Elfawwar junction have come down from the pillbox and are checking cars. We managed to evade them and continue without delay.   

We entered Dura to meet N., who's asked Sylvia to help him obtain an entry permit to Israel. N. is a construction worker whom we have known for many years but is now unable to renew his entry permit. He is strong, ambitious, brave, and wise. As he explains to us, he was asked to cooperate with "our forces" but refused and is therefore, and ever since, denied a working permit. I had him sign some papers that should help us examine his case with a lawyer. He paid and told us about his successful children and how he has invested in their education and his sincere hope to return to work in Israel. I feel that he is the tip of the iceberg and only people who are as strong and persevering as he is dare to appeal and insist on their right to live in dignity. Most others are silent and have given up.

On our way back the soldiers were busy and we were able to evade them once more. 

Moti, who is in charge of the Meitar crossing, called me to ask if we noticed any improvement at the crossing over the past week. He says he is doing his best to make it easier for the workers. Although I certainly appreciate his efforts, I am positive that we have a much greater part in determining how the crossing works than the Palestinians do.