חמרה (בקעות), תיאסיר

Route 578 (The Alon Route)

An army van is parked near the junction leading to the Tayasir Checkpoint.  Tents belonging to a family which was evicted from their residence east of the road are standing to the west of the road.  We left them warm clothing and blankets. 

14:00 – Tayasir Checkpoint

Three soldiers are standing in the position on the road wearing camouflage caps (not helmets).  One of them asked if we needed help and returned to the position.   A lot of soldiers – most of whom wore yarmulkes – were standing around the position on the road and about the abandoned camp.  A passenger truck was parked on the access road to the camp.  The soldiers explained that they were on a 50-kilometer march, nearing the end of it.  When they found what we were doing at the checkpoint, rather than sitting in a cafe, for example, they attempted to convince us of the usual right-wing opinions.

There was very little traffic going in both directions.

14:40 – We left.

The Alon Route

We were pleased to see damage to the dirt embankments.

14:50 – Hamra Checkpoint

Two soldiers from the Liaison and Coordination Administration came to see if everything was in order and returned to their position.  The local dog circled around us.   There was very little traffic in both directions, but soon a line of seven vehicles formed.  We exchanged greetings with people and left at 15:15. 

Bezek Checkpoint – 15:45

For some reason the checkpoint was not opened even when we explained that we were on our way home.  Eventually the line of cars that appeared in back of us convinced the soldier to let us pass.