Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked, Wed 3.4.13, Afternoon

Translation: Naomi Gal

14:55   Shaked-Turah Checkpoint

Little traffic in both directions, as it is usually at this hour at this checkpoint. It is unclear for what purpose all the sheds, fences, gates, traffic lights and signs have been installed.

16:25   Barta'a- Reihan Checkpoint - Seam Zone side

We go through the sleeve to the terminal along with workers returning from jobs in the Seam Zone/Israel to the West Bank. A young man tells us: "The old man needs you." We are waiting for the “old man" who is angry at us: "You are no help at all,'' meaning that we do not manage to relieve the morning crowding at Irtah Checkpoint (Sha’ar Efraim, Tayibe).  “People there are like animals” he says and apologizes for the comparison. He adds that sometimes they do not open on time.

At the Barta'a-Reihan Checkpoint everything goes smoothly.  We are "out of work." Most of the crossers are on their way home, to the West Bank. Many greet us, saying “Shalom”. Some youngsters are crossing to the Seam Zone. 

17:10 we are leaving afunctioning checkpoint, with no waiting lines. The question is why is the checkpoint there in the first place.