'Anata-Shu'afat, Abu Dis, Al-Ezariya, Wadi Nar, Sun 21.10.12, Afternoon

Anata

  There was a lot of activity .  Loads of school children were dropped off and made their way through the pedestrian checkpoint.  There were also many  vehicles going in both directions.

 A most disturbing phenomenon of the past few weeks at Anata is that the border police seem to feel a necessity to shout through loud speakers for no apparent reason.  Instead of speaking to the drivers or to people in the area, they use loud speakers creating a most oppressive atmosphere. 

Also, it must be mentioned that the parking area, which is part of the
Jerusalem municipality, grows filthier week after week.  It is doubtful that this area is ever cleaned.  For as far back as we can remember, the parking area has been covered with shattered glass.

Al-Ezariya

:  About a year or two ago, the area got a real facelift.  The road was expanded into four lanes – two in each direction – with a tree planted esplanade in the middle.  Many shops got a face lift and there was a definite area to upgrade the whole place.  Unfortunately, the area is reverting to its previous state.  Trash piles up, and there is a feeling of neglect

 Wadi Nar

 An unusually high volume of traffic.  Huge numbers of vehicles of all kinds going in both directions.  During the whole time we were there, there were two cars heading south pulled over, quickly checked, allowed to continue, and then another two cars pulled over, checked, etc.  The checking time was very fast – no one was kept waiting more than 5 to 7 minutes.  No vehicles heading toward the container were stopped.

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