Qalandiya, Thu 5.2.09, Morning

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Place: 
Observers: 
Sheila B., Chana S. (reporting), Avital (drivוng)
Feb-5-2009
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Morning

On the way, there was a long line of cars waiting at the Ar-ram checkpoint.
 

7.00 Qalandiya
 

There were very short lines at the three carousels and the people quickly passed through.  The ‘ecumenicals’ told us that when they had arrived at 6 a.m., the lines were not too long and passed quickly and they themselves passed through in only 15 minutes.  Soon after we arrived two of the carousels were shut, but this did not impede the flow.   Men, women and schoolchildren all used the same carousel.

No one seemed to know what causes the variability from day to day!

I met someone whom I know who lives south of Bethlehem and whose permit is valid only for the Qalandiya checkpoint, not the Bethlehem one, so to get to Beit Hakerem to work he has to come this roundabout way.  What is the reason for this? 

7.45  We left, as the place was almost empty.  It then took us 30 nerve-wracking minutes to get through the traffic jam to the car checkpoint (which our driver performed with distinction).