Abu Dis, Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal), Fri 17.8.12, Morning

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Observers: 
Rahel M., Orit D., Michal, Michaela R. (reporting)
Aug-17-2012
|
Morning

  

 

 
 
Last Friday of Ramadan
   
Olive Terminal
 
Fewer than expected arrived, because -- so we were told -- of the proximity of Friday and Id-al-Fitr, for which people, and mostly women, are busy preparing at home.
 
At the  forefront checking point the team was changed, mostly border-police.  Throughout our shift they were impatient and rude to the Palestinians, and we too were greeted with the routine "you're getting in the way..."
 
The piles of garbage alongside the checking shelter have returned and grown.  Someone must have decided that clearing up once a month is enough.  Throughout  Ramadan the refreshment stand for soldiers stood next to the inspection point, and they partook in front of those crossing.
 
Crossing was fluent and quiet at the entrance to the checkpoint, but inside an occasional line would form.
 
A policeman prevented a 13.5 year old child and his mother from crossing.  The DCO representative checked their documents again and again and asked they be allowed to cross.  A lengthy argument between the policeman and the DCO representative, including other security persons, ensued.  In the end, both mother and child crossed.
 
An old woman in a wheelchair also created a problem because her companion was not yet 40.  An extended council of diverse security officers ensued, as though the issue was a fateful question -- of the order of declaring war on Iran? -- but in the end they were allowed to cross.