Hebron

We held a late noon shift, both because of summer vacation, the Ramadan, and also, especially, because Abu Anan, the owner of the area on which the settlers have tried to build the Hazon David Synagogue, told us that very often in the afternoon, settler children come down from Hill of the Fathers, and throw stones. They clash with his children, and the army does nothing, of course.

The ruins of the synagogue are still there, but furniture in place and the bible seen there are evidence that observants are still attending. Everything was quiet. Settler boys and girls were easily descending the stairs with no adult escort on their way to the Kiryat Arba library. They didn't seem threatened or scared at all when passing by Palestinian homes…

The House of Contention is disguised as an army post (see photos) but heads of children in the windows and the shop downstairs attest to this actually being a settlement in disguise. (photos were sent separately).

At Curve 160 a German film crew is shooting. In answer to our question they told us they are filming the sequel of the story about the boy with one hand who lives penniless with his deaf mother. The document deals with the absurd reality in which children grow up, they explain to us, when realizing who we are. They took time to talk with us and asked to film us near the Pharmacy Checkpoint.

Cave of the Fathers: Abed says that the shops that were supposed to open on Sahla Street (the part from his shop to the beginning of Shuhada Street) on Friday June 19, 2015, were not opened at all. And everything is indeed closed.

Pharmacy Checkpoint

We witness afternoon bustle and crowding, probably because of the holiday. Many detainees are swiftly released.

The film crew arrives and photographs us against the background of the checkpoint. Leah Shakdiel has excellent English (luckily she joined our shift) and joins our explanation about what we do and why we believe our presence is necessary here. The German journalist listens carefully and apparently, in spite of his knowledge and views of the occupation, he seems to learn some more about the complex and impossible reality of life here.

Suddenly Ofer Ohana shows up. Settlers passing by must have reported our presence. As a known 'lover' of rackets and cameras, he begins to voice his views very loudly. Here they are, the women who live on "Traitors' Street"… etc. The camera naturally catches the story and we move so that he can have the full stage to represent Hebron settlers. What will remain of all of this, and where and when it will be screened, we don't know. The Israeli facilitators will probably let us know.

Again we left this city, hearts racing.

On our way back by road 317 as well as on our way there along road 60, no special activity was noted. Everything is already quiet and summer-dry.