Beit Furik, Huwwara, Za'tara (Tapuah), Tue 11.12.07, Morning

Translation:  Suzanne O.

It is a particularly calm day.  There are almost no queues at Tapuach.  In the morning there is no roadblock at Yitzhar Junction.  It was set up later, when we were on our way back.

At Huwwara there are few leaving but many entering.  As usual the car park is crowded and, amazingly, clean.  Someone cleaned and collected up all the rubbish.  There are also a few stalls selling coffee, bagels and even herbs for planting.

The roadblock commander, A., welcomes us with a smile and is polite.  During the short conversation we hold with him he turns out to be a humane and sensitive person, one who relates to the Palestinians as people like himself.  Apparently due to his influence and guidance the whole team behaves efficiently and properly.

At Beit Furiq too there are very few crossing.  As we near the roadblock the soldiers welcome us, all together, by shouting at us to keep back.  The commander comes over to us and explains, politely but firmly, that we are forbidden to cross the white line painted on the road, before the entrance to the roadblock.  This means that it not possible even to stand near the turnstiles so that we can see what is going on there.

Since there was no queue and everything was calm; we decided to accept the ruling and moved away.  We did not want to make a fuss.  However, it is time that the business with the line preventing us from getting close is dealt with.