Bruqin, Haris, Kufr alDik, Tue 18.12.12, Morning

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Observers: 
Natalie Cohen, Naomi Bentsur (reporting) Translator: Charles K
Dec-18-2012
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Morning

09:00 We left in Nadim’s vehicle from the Rosh Ha’ayin train station.

 

09:30 We reached Hars. Most of the pupils in the English class were already at the club. Others arrive a few minutes late. The two-hour class includes finishing an article about the Nobel Prize, a grammar lesson and dictation. The women participate actively. They all had done their homework, as we expected. It’s clear they’re devoting time and effort to the class.

 

Our circuit: This time it also included Brukin and Kafr a-Dik. Brukin is quiet.

The teachers’ strike continues. It turns out there’s a regional division of schools. Brukin is located in an area whose teachers weren’t paid. Hars belongs to a different area where classes are held normally. It also turns out that male and female teachers are striking separately. Today the women are on strike.

 

Something new on the road to Kafr a-Dik: Palestinian Authority police stop and inspect vehicles. Apparently a new policy of making their presence known. Nadim is asked to stop. He tells them he came from Tira and is allowed to continue. He and the police officers exchange greetings.

 

10:00 Kafr a-Dik. Hanan, the club’s director, confirms the news that four youths were removed at night from their homes ten days ago, with no explanation and without anyone being told where they were taken. She adds that they were barefoot, didn’t have shoes, and there’s been no contact with them yet.

 

Additional military activity in the village – street closures. Soldiers are stationed at both ends of a street and make the residents take alternate routes. An additional exercise of authority intended to embitter the inhabitants’ lives.

 

Hanan tells us she wants to renew activities for women. They’re interested in learning Hebrew, yoga (or other exercise) and handicrafts.

 

11:30 Back to Hars. The class is ending. The women want to be sure they’ll meet again next week.

 

12:00 Back to Rosh Ha’ayin.