'Anin, Reihan, Shaked, Thu 12.5.11, Afternoon
Translated Yael S.
14:50 - A'aneen checkpoint
Farmers as well as soldiers were already on site.
Until 15:10 many of those waiting have already crossed. Three tractors and one bicycle also went through. We are told that someone else is expected to come; the soldiers are forced to stay until 15:30, closing time. We are not.
One of the tractor operators is proud of his well-cultivated lot. We saw it right by the curve leading to the checkpoint. He also showed us the reaping-hook in which he trims and cleans his garden. He told us that his 80-years-old father no longer receives an agriculture permit. He has already bequeathed his land to his four sons, yet he does wish to see it. His boy's request to the DCO was not answered. Next week this 80-years-old is planning to go to the Salem DCO himself. Another told us that he cannot get a work permit in Israel. He is 46 years old, married to two women but without children. Punished by God and man.
15:20 Shaked-Tura checkpoint
Only a little traffic at this time it is vehicles, pedestrians and even a buggy harnessed to a donkey.
An optimistic person says that peace would come in our time. He believes in the changes taking place in our region.
15:45 Reihan-Barta'a, Palestinian car park.
The parking lot is full and packed. The far parking lot is full as well. Workers, among them our acquaintances the seamstresses, come out of the terminal in the direction of the West Bank. A few enter the terminal in the direction of the Seam Line zone.
16:10 Reihan-Barta'a, entrance from the side of the Seam Line zone.
Workers go down the sleeve
in the direction of the terminal. Two youngsters , apparently without permits, are detained and are sitting on a bench inside.
There are two inspections posts that are open. When one deals with people going through in one direction, people line up on the opposite side.
All of a sudden there is a call to close the turnstile, which reopens two minutes later.
16:40 The two youngsters are still detained.
Workers return home via the terminal. We walk up the sleeve, where we meet women who had already been inside the terminal and are now awaiting their vehicle, which is under inspection.