Reihan, Shaked, Mon 6.7.09, Afternoon

Date: 06/07/2009 ,Afternoon

Observers: Leah R., Anna N.Sh’ (Reporting)

Reihan

Reihan (Bartaa) Checkpoint allows transit only to vehicles and pedestrians holding transit permits appropriate to the place. The checkpoint is located on the separation fence, east of East Bartaa, and is supposed to supply continuation of the "fabric of life" to the Palestinian residents living in the "Seam Zone," who have been physically cut off from the West Bank by the that fence. Since 16 May 2007, it has been maintained by a civilian security company subcontracting to the Defense Ministry.
Functioning on the site is a large and sophisticated terminal, which includes biometric facilities for identification of the palm of the hand, and small examination rooms to which men and women are taken by random selection. Agricultural produce and other goods may be transferred through here from the West Bank to the Seam Zone enclave in limited quantities, by a group of regular drivers and in prior coordination with the DCO and the army.
Since the checkpoint passed into civilian hands, the Mevo Reihan CP (near Umriha village) has been used as a checking point for Palestinians on their way to the Reihan checkpoint.

Close description

Translation: Bracha B.A.

Reihan-Barta’a Checkpoint, 16:40
The parking lot is full of cars that were left there in the morning when people went to work, as wel as yellow taxis and private cars of drivers who unofficially drive people to work. The drivers of the taxis are usually residents of Barta’a who drove down to the lower parking lot and compete with the permanent Palestinian drivers from the West Bank for the little work they have. Recently unofficial taxi drivers are not permitted to drive to Jenin. One of the drivers told us that he was caught by the Palestinian police in Jenin and fined NIS 600 for driving passengers for pay.

Despair and helplessness force drivers to look for employment solutions. They ask us if it is possible to work at alternative jobs but we have no solution either.

At 4:00 they spread out the prayer rugs to worship and some pray.

A handsome youth, about 15-year-old, is spending his summer vacation selling coffee at the checkpoint. He goes from one person to the next offering his wares in small plastic cups. He also approaches us and does not leave us alone until we offer an excuse. People are coming back from work now. Among them are some who came through Irtah in the morning who report that there is improvement there, but ask to be able to come earlier during the coming hot days and the approaching month of Ramadan. People are coming through the terminal at a reasonable rate without being delayed, and according to the routine regulations.

At this time there are no tenders with merchandise to check and occasionally a private vehicle comes through.

16:30 – Shaked Tura-Checkpoint
A large herd of goats crosses the road, reminding us of the pastoral character of the area that no longer exists. A young woman traditionally covered on this hot day holds two children: one is an infant. She needs to get to Barta’a and waits in Leah’s car until someone comes to pick her up. There is little traffic at this hour.

We left at 17:00.