Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked

06:00 – Barta'a Reihan Checkpoint

There is a lot of commotion in the upper parking lot as many cars come to pick up workers.  A large container has been placed next to the road similar to those at A'anin and Tura to protect people from the wind and rain.  There is was no rain but it is 3 degrees outside and very cold.   The vehicle inspection facility is empty.  There is a long line in the lower parking lot that divides into two lines towards the end and leads to the turnstile at the entrance to the terminal.  People enter in groups of 35-40 at once.   It took one worker a half hour to get from the end of the line to the turnstile.  One worker was struck in the face by the turnstile that stopped suddenly as he reached it.   There should be a flashing light or buzzer to warn people and we will talk to the checkpoint manager about that.  We met our friend B. who works in the carpet factory – once when he was waiting to enter the terminal and again when he was waiting for his son at the exit sleeve ten minutes later.   B. reported that his son and many other young people are delayed each morning without any reason before they are allowed to cross.   There are six stations operating today at the end of the exit route out of the terminal.   

  06:55 – Tura  - Shaked Checkpoint

It appears that the gate opened on time.  No one is waiting on the other side and people are crossing from one side to the other.   There is the usual litter and filth on both sides o the road and there is a pile of garbage around the container that is overflowing.  The school children are still on vacation and we didn't manage to find out when it ends.