'Anin, Reihan, Shaked, Mon 17.5.10, Morning

Translation: Bracha B.A.

06:10 – A'anin checkpoint
On our way to the checkpoint se saw a herd of cows that had invaded the olive groves belonging to the residents of A'anin.  They were eating the young branches of the trees and the saplings and trampling the rest.  People say that they know the owner of the cows who is  from Ein Sahala.  They are trapped behind the fence and are helpless to do anything.  They have complained but to no avail. 
One farmer drives them out and brings back a bunch of onions that were pulled out from among the trees as proof.  The cows are damaging the vegetables that are planted between the rows as well.   The cows cross into the neighboring almond grove after being driven out of the olive grove. 
All of our attempts to complain and help the farmers don't help.  They are told to complain at the Liaison and Coordination Administration in Jenin but they do nothing.

07:20 – Shaked-Tura Checkpoint
Most of the people coming through are schoolchildren.  The young ones are smiling and happy while the older ones are serious and solemn-faced – a distinct contrast. 
About 15 small children nearly arrive at the checkpoint on foot when they see the taxi that they usually arrive in enter the village and they run back to ride in it.  They pass through one by one showing their schoolbags to the soldier and cross quickly.

08:00 – Reihan-Barta'a Checkpoint
Coming back on the "apartheid" road we saw a taxi being checked.  The passengers get out and put their magnetic cards through the machine.  There are stacks of eggs underneath the shelter, and taxi drivers are waiting around for nothing.  We reminisce about the days when we could enjoy a cup of coffee and cookies when the checkpoint was more lively.The sleeve is filled with people going to work – mostly teachers.  It seems that people are moving through the terminal quickly. 
A young man who has a work permit and whose employer is waiting in Barta'a is refused entry because today the biometer does not recognize him.  He is stressed because if he does not get to work he will lose the day.  We speak with Sharon, the manager of the checkpoint and try to persuade him to let the young man through so that he will not miss his workday.  He sends a soldier and two civilians, none of whom are willing to let the man through, claiming he has been technically blacklisted.  The young man refuses to run the examination again for fear that his permit will be cancelled.  At the Liaison and Coordination Administration in Tul Karem they suggest that the young man come and they will check him. 
Two more young men are sent back because the biometer does not work.  A, the driver, says that last week several dozen people were sent back for the same reason.   
We left at 08:45.