Hebron, Sansana (Meitar Crossing), South Hebron Hills
This time we met M. at Shoqet junctions after he had a flat tire repaired.
Meitar crossing – trucks and cars; quiet.
On the way – Susya – the neighborhood under construction is expanding.
The new construction is also advancing in Carmel.
We visited our friend Fadel in Umm Faqara. He, his two wives and most of his children (who today began their long summer vacation – until September) hosted us in their cave. It was cool and very pleasant. Also outside the cave, the breeze blowing at this height made it very comfortable, compared with the temperature of 44 centigrade today in the coastal plain.
Today’s tour was filled with explanations for our guest from Europe. She’s very interested, asks questions, sees the harsh conditions and slowly begins to understand how complicated things are here. She saw, for example, the demolished buildings at Dir’at and Raba’iyya when we passed by.
Hebron:
For some reason there are more soldiers than usual at Curve 160, but they seem relaxed. The checkpoint is closed at the moment.
Our circuit of the Cave of the Patriarchs, Shuhada Street, Tel Rumeida, all the sights familiar to us, was refreshed for us by the questions and impressions of our guest.
The Pharmacy checkpoint is closed and deserted. Something new opposite the rubble of the demolished “Hazon David” synagogue: the booth at the border between Hebron and Kiryat Arba is now manned by soldiers instead of by the Kiryat Araba guard. Apparently to ensure the attempts (which have already been made) to rebuild the synagogue won’t succeed.
At the end of our tour we stopped for humus and knafe at a new place and were met with many smiles and much interest.