Beit Iba, Wednesday, 15.11.06 PMObservers and reporters: Sara P, Dahlia GTo our surprise, as we approached the checkpoint we saw few cars, almost no traffic, not many pedestrians. The checkpoint itself – almost empty. Turns out that today is a holiday. Our greatest surprise was when we discovered which holiday – Palestinian Independence Day! We thought it was a mistake, but no… We asked people what it was about, and they couldn’t answer, just smiled. Finally one did know: a few years ago (didn’t remember exactly when) on this particular day, Arafat (in Tunis) declared the creation of the State of Palestine. So today there’s a holiday, but Independence – none! To our mind it’s a strike, not a holiday. But, nevertheless, all the students passed yesterday (Tuesday) instead of today. Tomorrow there will also be little traffic. The students only return on Saturday, and “the good life” will return to normal. In the light of this, our shift was very short. Interesting to see whether tomorrow will be the same. 14:15 – we arrived at Jit Junction. The area was empty – no people, no soldiers. 14:25 – we arrive at Beit Iba. Eight vehicles in line at the entrance, moving slowly towards the checkpoint. We parked in the lot by the café. The “attendant” who took from us ten shekels said, in fluent Hebrew, that he had worked 25 years in Ramat Hasharon and Netania. He lives in Deir Sharaf and works here. We get to the checkpoint. No one. The pen is deserted and the gate open… No lines. We talk to the commander, Captain M. from Haruv Battalion. He spoke pleasantly, related that yesterday there were a great many people, because everyone was going out for the holiday. We told him that we are already three years at the checkpoints and have never before seen this picture of an empty checkpoint. 15:15 – we walk back to the car, and on the way we meet a youngster, sitting on the fence, who stopped us. In good Hebrew he says that he wants to pass through Shavei Shomron Checkpoint, but it’s closed. According to him, Palestine Radio announced that Shavei Shomron is open. And here, it’s closed. He asks us to help with the matter. I remember that only two days ago I asked the Centre how the Palestinians know when each checkpoint opens or closes? The answer was that they get the information from the radio or the newspapers, and there are also posters at the checkpoints. Of course it’s clear that there are no posters, but there are radio announcements, though they rarely are compatible with the reality.We phoned the Humanitarian Centre and told the girl who answered the boy’s story. The response was: I will immediately call the DCO and ask him to open (Shavei Shomron). We filled up with hope. After some ten minutes we phoned again. And then G. answered, and responded to my repeated question: Shavei Shomron Checkpoint is closed, and will not open! Unequivocally. To our sorrow we didn’t know the name of the woman who responded earlier with good will based on lack of knowledge, and we couldn’t state that it’s impossible to rely on them.We phoned the youngster, who had meanwhile started out on the way to Shavei Shomron, and told him that it is closed, and he must go to Anabta and from there to Sebastia (that was guidance from Naomi L.). 15:45 – We leave Beit Iba. We pass through Anabta Checkpoint and see seven vehicles, and very few pedestrians.