Hebron, South Hebron Hills, Tarqumiya, Wed 1.2.12, Morning
Translator: Charles K.
We decided to go through Tarqumiya again, despite the problems they always cause us on our way back to Israel. Another very rainy day, gray and foggy, barely able to see ten meters ahead on the road…
Hebron
Streets almost empty; the soldiers in some of the positions can also shelter inside. We went into the grocery at the Tel Rumeida junction; the soldier (a first sergeant) immediately arrived from his position to check: “You’re here? You’re doing a great job." We went over to their position and were greeted coldly by both soldiers – that’s an understatement – including one who spat in our direction.
They stop people randomly, check their documents and also their belongings.
A tour of religious teenage girls near Beit Hadassah, despite the cold and rain.
On the way to the Cave of the Patriarchs we learned that, as of yesterday, there are new signs: No entry from here; you have to go around (what’s the idea?)
Yehuda, from “Breaking the Silence,” joins us to drink ‘Abed’s terribly sweet tea, telling us that he’s just about to meet a tour from the National Security College, at their request. He’s not hoping for much, though he’s glad to know that they include people who aren’t from the security services (staff from government offices and elsewhere…)
With respect to the eighth grade tour from Jerusalem, and Itamar Ben-Gvir’s presence, he says, “It was terrible.”
On our way back to the Tarqumiya crossing the almond trees were already lovely, the anemones on the verge of fully blossoming, but the crossing was again unpleasant; we’re inspected as if we’re under suspicion…(?)