'Anin, Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked

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Observers: 
Tzafrira Zamir, Nili S., (Guest), Neta Golan (Reporting, Photos) Translation: Bracha Ben-Avraham
Jan-12-2017
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Afternoon

14:45 – A'anin Checkpoint

Our friend M. was already waiting at the junction with two of his children to receive the bags of used clothing that we brought.  The schools are on semester break.

A red tow truck "In Service of the Police" was towing a vehicle with Palestinian license plates.  We were unable to find out why or where it was going.

About 30 people – including eight women and several children - were waiting for the checkpoint to open.  (See Photo)   Two people were praying earnestly.  By the time 15:00 – the official opening time – approached, there were about 40 people waiting.  At 15:15 we called the Liaison and Coordination Administration. The woman soldier there said she would find out why the checkpoint was not yet opened.  Ten minutes later she informed us that the soldiers' car had a flat tire and they would arrive soon.     

At 15:30 the soldiers arrived and opened the checkpoint and immediately everyone together with three loaded tractors crossed.  Five men and a woman arrived at the last minute and crossed.  We began to leave.  At 15:35 the soldiers began to close the gate, but three men arrived running towards the gate.  We stayed to make sure that they were allowed through.

15:50 – Tura – Shaked Checkpoint

Two people crossed to the West Bank.  There was a lot of garbage in the container and around it.

Several women crossed with children.  They waited for their car to finish being checked before they continued on their way.  A family of two women with three children got into a car with an Israeli license plate. 

 We gave a hitchhiker a ride to Barta'a Checkpoint.  He was a resident of Jenin and worked as a carpenter in Um A Reihan.  The carpentry shop makes kitchen cabinets, doors, and furniture for Israeli clients. They are currently working in Tel Aviv and Beit Sean.  

16:10 – Reihan – Barta'a Checkpoint, Seamline Zone Side

A lot of people are coming back from work.  Many stopped to greet us and many stopped at the kiosk belonging to the settler from Harish to buy coffee and cake.  They also bought boxes of cakes to take home.   They make a good salary and can afford to bring treats home to the family.  It's a pity that they are also providing a livelihood for a settler. 

An elderly man wearing formal clothes came out of the terminal towards the seamline zone fastening his belt.  He stopped to look at our tags and talk to us.  He was a resident of Jenin on his way to a meeting of "The Golden Way" in Barta'a.  He is over 60 and does not need a permit to cross.   He claimed that everyone wanted to be over 60.

16:40 – We walked up the sleeveinfo-icon to the parking lot and many workers continued to pass us on their way into the terminal.  Many work in construction in the settlement of Harish and some work in agriculture and the scent of oranges came from the bags they carried.