Qalandiya

 

We arrived at 5:00 and went through the checkpoint on foot.  Most of the people there greeted us with a "good morning", and, in fact, it was!  Of course, only 4 booths were open when we arrived, but very quickly the fifth was opened.  There were practically no lines, and, when they did form, they only reached to the middle of the covered area and were quickly dissolved.  When buses arrived, the line also finished very quickly.  The female soldier in the aquarium opened it frequently and for long periods each time.  The policeman arrived at 5:15.

 

The DCO representative arrived at 6:00, but there was no need to open the Humanitarian Gate, as there was no line.

We left at 6:40 and passed through quickly.  It is important for us to understand why there was such a successful day, when the whole system worked.  As long as there are checkpoints, they need to be efficient, not more than that.  It is important to send such reports to the civil administration as well.