Rihan

Rihan, Tuesday, November 30, 2004, PMObservers: Bruria G., Nava R. (reporting) and a guest, Naomi D.13:35 - 15:30At the entrance from the West Bank into Israel stood a woman with two young children. She needed to get to Rambam hospital in Haifa for treatment. Her appointment was at 17:00 and a car was waiting for her on the northern side of the checkpoint. The CP commander wouldn't let her through, claiming that she needed to cross though Jalama.I tried calling the Salem District Coordination Office (DCO), explaining that she would miss her appointment at the hospital. At the DCO they considered their answer. Time went by and there was still no answer. I called again, telling them that if she had to go through Jalama, she would have to drive through the entire jammed area of Haifa bay, and that they had to come up with a decision fast. An hour after our arrival, at 14:30, she was allowed through.A group of workers crossed the CP south, at a quick pace. The soldiers tried to work fast and efficiently. No one knew when the closure would be lifted.