Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked
06:00 – Barta'a Reihan Checkpoint
Many workers have already crossed and are waiting for rides to work. We stood next to the turnstile at the entrance to the terminal. The turnstile was turning continuously and many young people came out and greeted us. Many took out scarves and wrapped them around their necks and another around their heads as hats. Sometimes their faces were completely covered and we laughed. We asked people about their daily schedule. One person told us that he gets up at 04:00, arrives at the checkpoint at 05:20, stood in line to get into the terminal, and then spent 20 minutes getting through the terminal. It is now 06:10. I asked how things were at work, and he answered that he works hard and that keeps him warm.
People began crossing more slowly and evidently the six workers in the terminal need a break. Several fathers whose sons had valid permits were worried that their sons were detained for no evident reason.
On our way back one of the guards stopped us and asked to see what I had written. No problem. He also wanted to know if we took pictures and pointed to a sign that says that it is forbidden to take pictures. I told him that I had not taken any pictures. We conducted a short conversation and I tried to explain about our activities. I hope that he understood.
06:50 – Tura – Shaked Checkpoint
The checkpoint is supposed to open at 06:30 and it only now began operating. Things are quiet and there is evidently no school today. The 8th grade students have exams, but I didn't know why the rest of the children had no school.
We left at 07:30.