Beit Furik, Huwwara, Sun 1.2.09, Afternoon

Translation: Tal H.

15:15 Tapuach Junction Checkpoint

Empty of traffic, nearly, the rain drenches the freshest crop of election posters glued on to the army's concrete slabs throughout the compound.

On our way, we paid a short visit to the Beit Furiq Checkpoint that stands empty - the inspections shed is still there "just to be on the safe side" but closed with chicken wire, the soldiers are probably finding shelter from the rain inside the tall watchtower, and we recalled the infantry soldier who, a few months ago, still stood here bravely and explained to us heatedly that without this checkpoint and its personal thorough inspections, we would not have a state.

Yeah.

Huwwara Checkpoint 15:45

X-ray truck active, all checking posts active, DCO Salah came over to greet us and introduce himself.

Special side line for women and the elderly rather swift and not crowded.

Men's lines, on the other hand, rather long and very slow.

Vehicles exiting Nablus checked on two lanes. Random thoroughness undaunted by rain - complete with opening jackets and pulling up shirts, pirouette, women with babies required to disembark - we remembered old army songs about riflemen undaunted by 'sun, rain, wind, sergeant major...'

Tel Aviv is saved every moment anew and at 17:00 we took to the wet road to get back to it, safely.

.