Qalandiya, Mon. 19.6.06 p.m.Observers: Lizi S, Noa A.I. (reporting)Because we were without a car, we took a minibus from the central bus station at the Damascus Gate to Qalandiya. We traveled smoothly without any stops at checkpoints or by the border police. At the Ar-Ram checkpoint, there were few cars and two pedestrians crossing quickly. There was an unnecessary detour via Ar-Ram the purpose of which was not clear. “To get them used to it”. Why this time? QalandiyaIn front of the checkpoint for vehicles, there was a large empty truck. A soldier was shouting over the loudspeaker that it could not cross this checkpoint but must go via Betunyah. There was very little movement of pedestrians through the checkpoint. Another call over the loudspeaker — only Israelis can cross via #1, the others must go through #4. We sat and waited on the benches to see if anyone needed our help or if something changed. Perhaps our task, at least at checkpoints such as Qalandiya is finished. We went through. On our way back, there was an elderly woman with a little girl. She showed them her Jordanian passport. The soldier said that the visa had expired in February and now it is June. The woman tried to explain in English. Lizi went over and saw that she had to go to the DCL for an extention of her visa. The soldier directed her as to where to go.On the way back to Jerusalem.An air conditioned transit. On our way, a man told us that his mother is sick, confined to her bed, and her daughter who is a resident of the occupied territories is not able to pass through to help her mother. A young man who is married to an Israeli and has children told us of his problems. He has a permit that will allow him to be here for 24 hours. He works in Atarot. Two weeks ago, near his home, he was arrested by the border police. They said that his permit is worthless and sent him and several others back to Azariyah. He tried again to cross at Abu Dis, and there the soldier said that surely you can cross”. And so we ask. What’s next. Is there still purpose in our going out to the checkpoints, at least those like Qalandiya and Hazeitim? There is a feeling that it would not be right to just stop, but on the other hand, there is a lot of energy not properly utilized.