'Anabta, Ar-Ras, Jubara (Kafriat), Wed 9.7.08, Afternoon

   Anabta-16:00-

Almost no traffic on both ways. More cars are exiting TulKarm then entering. The inspections are hasty. No lines and no restrictions. The checkpoint commander welcomed us and was very friendly.

Jubara, Ar-Ras-16:50-

A woman was waiting behind the gate for someone to notice her and open the gate. She didn’t speak, shout or asked anyone to open, she was just waiting patiently.

The soldiers and the commander were surprised by our presence. We identified and informed them where we were heading to and asked them to open the gate. We called someone; a soldier approached the gate and gave us permission to cross, totally ignoring the woman waiting. She didn’t ask a thing and when the gate was open she crossed and walked by the soldier. The soldier didn’t show any sign of noticing her, didn’t ask, and didn’t make a sign. As far as he was concerned she didn’t even exist. She wasn’t dangerous, crossing the checkpoint wasn’t forbidden and the contents of her baskets didn’t interest him at all.

 At Ar-Ras

The vehicles cross without any special inspections. The soldiers ignored our presence and seemed bored.