Shaked, Rihan, Sunday, March 26, 2006, AM Observers: Hannah H., Sandra R., Leah R. (reporting)07.00-09.45After some socializing on Saturday night, where I heard criticism of the activities of the women of MachsomWatch – it was said that they harm the state — it was good to hear some encouraging words from a soldier, who said that there are many like him who think that we are doing work that is worthwhile and necessary. Shaked, 07.00-07.50The gate is open, and there are a few very small children who come with bags on their stomachs, open and ready for inspection. There is a big pile of gravel nearby, and the soldiers did not know what it is there for. Rihan, 08.00 – 09.45 An Israeli who is waiting for a Palestinian laborer thanks us for what we are doing. About 30 people are waiting in front of the CP gate. The passage time from entrance to exit is about 10 minutes. In the parking lot there are a few commercial vehicles (tenders) with vegetables and one with sheep that were slaughtered in the morning. We asked the soldiers to inspect it quickly and they agreed to do as we asked. Drivers in the parking lot complain about the difficulties and the financial stress. Those who do not have a taxi license are not allowed to enter Jenin in their cars. There are many drivers and very few passengers. Most of them used to work in Israel — one in a gas station in Haifa, another in Kibbutz Hazorea. They long for the good old days. The inspection of the vegetables is done quite quickly, about 20 minutes for each vehicle. The inspection is done with a magnometer. There is also a mirror with a long handle for checking the underside of the car.On the way back we came close to a Border Patrol Jeep. A Palestinian sat on the sidewalk — he was thoroughly frightened. When we stopped and asked the soldier what had happened, a Border Policeman came up to us and said: “What, you are without protective clothing, who do you think you are?” Then, for the first time in my life I understood the meaning of “murder in a person’s eyes”. He called the CP commander and told him: “Take them away from here!” We told him that nobody takes us. We ourselves go on our way.