Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked

0730-0800 Tura-Shaked checkpoint

 Many workers have already crossed over from the West Bank into the Seam Line zone and are now awaiting transportation. Traffic streams along without delays on both direction for pedestrians as well as for vehicles.

0810 – 0900 Barta'a-Rihan  checkpoint.

The checkpoint iscrowded, as usual. On our way down the sleeve to the terminal, we are told there are hundreds of people inside. Passage is slow. Some people told us that they have waited an hour and a half(!) inside the terminal. Despite the ongoing stream of people coming out of the terminal, they say it is extremely crowded inside. Hundreds are waiting. A great delay at the exit. We watched one person getting inside at 08:15, and saw him come out after 40 minutes. We tried calling some numbers but came across something new -  only emergency calls are answered.

The checkpoint opened on Saturday at 07:00 and usually at the time of our arrival, at 08:00, most of the people had already gone through, and passage is swift. What happened today? It is unclear (see Shula B.'s report on the change of the magnetic cards, perhaps that causes the

problem?) Most importantly is the Chanuka candelabra (although the holiday is over); who knows, maybe a miracle would occur?

Prior to entering the sleeve we picked up Amjad and his daughter Marrie, who came early for their treatments, at 08:30. It is cold outside. Sky is grey, but no rain. And they are as nice as always, saying that all is well and refused another coat.