'Azzun 'Atma, Habla

We left Ra'anana at about 6:00 just to get stuck in the Sunday morning traffic jams. In the end we reached Azzun-Atma after 7:00.  Only a few workers were still waiting to pass through. Two of them, who were waiting for their employers, spoke with us. They were very friendly. They had both been working for many years in Israel and did not complain. However, they told us about the difficulties at the crossing, such as very strict and scrupulous car checks at the entrance to the checkpoint including taking off the door lining (?). The exit from the checkpoint is also very slow.

Later on we spoke with two 28 year old reserve soldiers posted at the exit. One had just finished his law studies and the other was an accountant) and they had both "graduated" from the checkpoint at Bet Iba, so we had something in common. It was upsetting to hear their opinion about the conflict, especially since in their view the territories are not being occupied. It was one of those conversations that leave you with a feeling of no hope, even though, the soldiers were quite patient and showed us respect. Afterwards, we drove along a road, which we had not tried before, to get a new and interesting perspective of the wall that has been built around Azzun-Atma and the neighboring villages.

At the end of our route we reached Habla from the Palestinian side. The gates were closed and Omer in the plant nursery, who said that the area around Qalqiliya was quiet, told us to go looking for trouble in Huwwara. Without noticing, in his next sentence he mentioned an incident at the Eid al-Adha festivity in Qalailiya when tear gas had been thrown at him and his family. But evidently, that is not a very special story…

At the entrance to Azzun, a big army vehicle was parking and keeping watch.

The Balfour Declaration was issued on this day almost a hundred years ago (1917). Time has come for a Palestinian Balfour to rise and for the redemption of this region.

The text of the declaration: " The Majesty's Government view with favour the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people, and will use their best endeavours to facilitate the achievement of the object, it being clearly understood that nothing shall be done which may prejudice the civil and religious rights of existing non-Jewish communities in Palestine, or the rights and political status enjoyed by Jews in any other country".