Qalandiya, Thu 24.11.11, Morning

Translator:  Charles K.

We arrived at 05:00.  Buses came from all directions, their passengers leaping out, running toward the line.  The waiting hall was full, long lines.  Only three inspection corridors were open until shortly before 06:00, and then two more opened.  The congestion at the entrance to the pens was terrible.  People pushed and were pushed, young men climbed over them to bypass the line, the cries each time the revolving gate opened split the heavens.  The line at the “humanitarian” entrance continued to lengthen – but it didn’t open until 06:15.  A man on line came over to me, explaning that he thought Hitler was the greatest leader ever, and he was very sorry that I, and others like me, hadn’t already been wiped out then.  I decided there was no point in responding.  Another man standing with his three cute daughters on the “humanitarian” line told us how he viewed the world, which can be summarized simply as “this will lead only to terror and hatred.”  It’s hard to see little girls forced to leave their home while it’s still dark so their father can get to work on time.  “Would you send your children to his hell by themselves?” – Certainly not!

There was a long line of cars, but it moved pretty quickly compared to other days.  There’s nothing to add about the staff of the security company.

I tried to complain, but it was like speaking to the wind.  “The physical set-up” – there’s no alternative.  It would have been different in Bnai Braq or in Ofra – but for the Palestinians…who cares anyway.

We left at 08:00, when there was no longer a line, only garbage, filth, shame and frustration!