Morning

Upon approach no soldiers at the checkpoint itself. As if the word was out that the army was not around, people were streaming over the wall where the makeshift steps have once again been set up. (they have moved slightly uphill from where they were on our last visit). Most people were hurrying at the opportunity to 'get through' without checking or delay. In their hurry, many needed and thanked us for our assistance in helping them down the 'steps'. One young girl fell in the scurry and began to cry--seemingly not so much from physical hurt as from confusion and anger. Several adults also expressed their disgust at the "not human" setup for their passage. Indeed at times it seemed as if they were going through a cattle shutter.When a jeep of soldiers did show up, the men acted politely, one even conversing in French with a French resident of the village who is married to a Palestinian. She was conversing chatting with us at the time. She explained that they have gotten to know one another over time. the same soldier (or another?) waved hello with a big smile to a Palestinian school bus driver who beeped to say hello. the soldier then went over to the bus and pinched his friend's cheek affectionately, while the other gave him a slap on the back. It was moving and curious to see this friendship that blurred the lines between seeming 'enemies'.Up the hill, the actual gate to the university was locked so that anyone wishing to cross over up there had to climb over a metal fence which is jagged on top. Many women had to pull their skirts so as not to get them caught, and a young girl fell and limped slightly when she got up. Finally at about 7:15, a guard for the university came and unlocked the gate. Passage then, was more 'normal'.