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Jubara Checkpoint, Monday PM, January 26th 2004. MachsomWatch Shift: Vivian K., Orly P., Tami C. (reporting) We reached Jubara at 13.30 at the Schoolchildren's Gate, several minutes prior to the children's arrival, just as the teacher passed with one of her daughters. Then the last group of children crossed the gate. The IDF soldiers staffing the gate complained that the pupils do not arrive all together (from different schools). Except for one soldier who opened the gate, the rest stayed in the jeep. We did not talk to them. We spoke with the teacher, who keeps thanking us and invite us to her home. We enquired whether warm clothes were needed, to which she replied positvely . So please note: if you have clothes bring them to the teacher and she will distribute them in the village. We should check what happened to the previous clothes parcel (given to the school principal to distribute.) When we reached the Jubara CP, we were told that we should not - or rather, that the soldiers should not talk to us. .. but we could greet them! I have a feeling there is deterioration in our relations with the soldiers...I suggest we check on this. On either side of the CP ,the traffic flowed regularly and there were no long delays; ambulances moved quickly. The weather was fierce and hence not much coming and going. Our presence was "mildy" effective. One person was detained, but he was released and his documents returned when we approached the soldiers. Before leaving I was approached by a Palestinian (I have his name) for help. He lives in Tulkarm, his wife and children live in Taibeh. They have been married for 8 years and his children cannot visit their father in Tulkarm. His wife cannot live there permanently (for personal reasons). He claims to have spent a great deal of money on lawyers who promised to settle the matter, but haven't. I have their names. I gave him the phone number to contact the Moked Center For the Defense of the Individual [Human Rights org.].At 1500 we reached the Irtach CP near Tulkarm , where things looked OK, except for a line of some 10 trucks . We then went back home. Note: Before leaving for home, Ada asked me to try and help two families who need a work permit in Israel, they are on the verge of starvation and have a large family.I called Kamil and Salem [of the Civilian Administration]. They explained that it is not within their authority to grant work permits. Later Edna M. explained to me what the procedure is and she will explain this to Ada.