Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked, Ya'bed-Dotan
15:30 – Yaabed Mevo Dotan Checkpoint
On the way to the checkpoint we saw flags where the attack took place two days ago in which two soldiers were killed and two others injured by a Palestinian driver who ran into them with his car. The Yaabed Checkpoint is manned and three women soldiers and one man arrived from the olive grove and joined the soldiers who were already there. The commander ordered them to spread out at the checkpoint as they had learned. A sad and dispirited soldier came up to us. He had been at home when the attack took place.
Traffic was flowing without delay. Drivers who knew us from Barta'a Checkpoint who usually wave and greet us cheerfully were restrained and serious today. On the way back we stopped at the spot where the attack took place. Two civilians from Mevo Dotan armed with pistols were busy erecting a mourning tent that they explained was for prayers. They were concerned about our safety and suggested that we leave. Further on we saw traffic near the pillbox at the top of the hill near the village of Emricha. Evidently a large truck had finished loading concrete blocks and continued on its way accompanied by an army vehicle. We wondered to where they were being transported and tried to follow, but the truck stopped at a junction and a soldier came and asked us what we were doing when we stopped to photograph a donkey. We continued on to Barta'a Checkpoint.
16:15 – Reihan – Barta'a Checkpoint
The parking lot was very crowded and noisy. We heard two people explain that were near the place where the attack took place and were the first to arrive and help. A., an ambulance driver who arrived in his private car, offered help. He explained that on one hand he was fearful of the reaction of passers-by but on the other hand he felt that he needed to help everyone without discrimination. A film published on YNet confirms his story.
Several people approached us and asked for help eliminating bans to enter Israel. The small market was moved from the parking lot to the road. The coffee vendor complained about the lack of business he was suffering.
17:25 – Tura – Shaked Checkpoint
The checkpoint was quieter than ever.
On our way home we took the road that goes past Mei Ami and Um el Fahem.
A place has been set up on the road by Arabs called "The Peace Meeting Place." There is a row of young cypress trees, sculptures, and a table with abandoned coffee cups. We did not meet anyone there. The place overlooks the southern slopes of Um El Fahem. It is difficult to park there but we will continue to stop there and report about the place in the future.