Bethlehem (300), Tue 24.1.12, Morning

   :Bethlehem- 6:45 am

Smiles greet us. "A good day".  Five checking stations open.  Ten to fifteen people in each line, but by 7:00 am everyone has passed. Y, Matak soldier is present.  Several Palestinians greet him, one saying, when he is present, all is well.  A pleasure to report good things!

We did see something new to us. There was an accumulation of men, about forty or more standing in the back, waiting to pass. At 7:00 am, only, are they allowed because they are "soharim", not "poalim", who are given preference. Y says this has been in force since the first of the month.