'Anin, Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked, Mon 8.7.13, Morning

Translation: Bracha B.A.

06:00 – 06:30 – A'anin Agricultural Checkpoint

The checkpoint is manned.  People are crossing without any problem with the exception of one young man who was sent back because his permit was no longer valid.  People are being checked at the section of the checkpoint close to the village of A'anin.  Records are being kept by hand [as opposed to by computer].  A vehicle from the Liaison and Coordination Administration arrived but we didn't manage to speak with the officers who arrived.  About 40 people have crossed, as well as two or three tractors.  We left before everyone had crossed.  The area around the checkpoint was surprisingly clean.  

06:40 – 07:00 – Reihan – Barta'a Checkpoint

Workers are leaving for work and the parking lot is gradually filling up.  We hear routine complaints about failure to renew permits without any particular reason or justification.  A young man who spoke fluent Hebrew and worked in Israel for several years received a permit to stay overnight in Barta'a for three months.   This morning when he asked to renew his permit he was told that he was denied and told to return to the Liaison and Coordination Administration.   He is angry and has no idea why he was refused.   His time and trouble has not been taken into consideration, and money required to travel is wasted before Ramadan begins.  

The seven vans which were waiting since we've arrived were received for inspection.

07:10 – 07:30 – Shaked – Tura Checkpoint

A few people are crossing from Tura to the seamline zone and back.   Some are laborers on the way to nearby settlements which are being expanded.   Ironically the Palestinians are the workers who are building them.