Morning

8:30amBorder police were checking I.D.s on the road leading out of Abu Dis. Otherwise, the border police were not present within the populated area. There was a lot of traffic, both vehicular and pedestrian. We spoke with many of the local people regarding the beatings behind the hotel and although there were not any new details there were many witnesses. People told us that the area is a favorite one of Border Police for catching workers who go to work in the early morning in Jerusalem. This human hunt happens usually around 7-8 a.m. particularly on working days. Locals refused to call B’Tselem and to describe what they saw. They are extremely frightened of BP revenge. We tried to persuade 4-5 people without any success. They suggested that we come at the relevant time and will see what is going on by ourselves.At the end of the shift, three reporters (one Israeli, one French, one American) arrived and requested information on the separation wall. While speaking with the reporters, a Palestinian woman approacheded us to listen. She thanked us for our involvement and concern. She asked us which nationality we are and when we told her that we are Israeli, she was shocked and visibly touched. It was a very special exchange. We gave her Machsom Watch’s information and told her how to be in touch with us.