PM

Abu-Dis, Anata 26.1.2004 Watchers: Yehudit S,. Yael I. and Ronny P. (reporting) We have decided that we shall add the Anata checkpoint to our Abu-Dis routine.We have a feeling that our presence in general has a positive affect. Soldiers at that checkpoint know that we come and observe and ask questions.This is what we did this time, too. We asked questions about the few detainees. Not that we could really help those who were sent back. "The Container" [Sawahre checkpoint] was at its quietest. The 2 BPs told us that if there is no traffic, it means that "something is about to happen, and everyone knows." Nonsense, of course.We drove to the wall ["seam line" separation fence between Israel and the Territories; here a concrete wall under construction], had coffee at a cafe near the wall and were told: We lived in a big prison, and now we live in a small prison.That is the security value of the wall in Jerusalem.Since there is a pause in construction, people can climb if they are able to, and we saw some going over the blocks.It was a very sad and depressing shift.