Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked, Ya'bed-Dotan
15:15 – We drove past Reihan – Barta’a Checkpoint and saw cars from the border patrol and soldiers checking cars on the way to the next checkpoint.
15:50 – Yaabed – Dotan Checkpoint
Traffic was moving and for a change the soldiers were pleasant. A soldier was giving the thumbs up sign to drivers and a woman soldier asked where we were from. The soldiers in the pillbox changed shifts.
15:55 – Reihan – Barta’a Checkpoint
Everything was moving. Sami the Bedouin, the father of 16 children asked for an awning for all the drivers as well as a television set, stove, clothing, and vehicle license for himself. He also asked for a work permit that he feels will not be granted since he served seven years in prison for being a member of the PLO. Another worker named Ishmael asked for a work permit that the police will not grant him.
16:50 – Tura – Shaked Checkpoint
The checkpoint was completely quiet. The soldiers were changing shifts. A military vehicle pulled up and a woman soldier shouted, “Hey, get out of here”. The driver sped away and they disappeared. There are evidently all kinds of ways to say “Happy Chanukah.”