Afternoon

Tulkarm and Jubara, Sunday afternoon 21 Dec 2003.MachsomWatchers: T.C. (reporting) and new Watchers D.Y., G.H. and M.K. We met M. who came from Atlit at the Tira-Tulkarm crossroads.We reached the village of Jubara at around 13:45.It became clear that the schoolchildren are on vacation this week. I do not know for how long. Since we were close to the fence, I showed the new members the fences and gates and I explained a little about the surrounding area.From there we descended to the Jubara checkpoint. On duty at the checkpoint there were young soldiers and two older IDF ‘volunteers of the seamline’ [who assist in checking IDs]. There is no doubt about it that the presence of the older persons makes things easier and induces a better atmosphere.We spoke with the soldiers and also with the Palestinians. Passage of people and permitted vehicles went routinely and smoothly. Small relief ... On our way home we traveled via the Tulkarm checkpoint, where we spoke with the soldiers. There too the passage went smoothly.