Observers: Alix W., Susan L. (reporting)

Summary

2500 years ago, the Greek historian, Herodotus, wrote that "Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night stays these courageous couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds." This adage comes from his history of the war between the Greeks and Persians about 500 B.C. in reference to the Persian mounted postal couriers whom he observed and held in high esteem.  MachsomWatchers show little of that courage, other than battling the elements in the wintry OPT today, elements that Palestinians need to battle too – not to mention the perpetual presence of the Occupier.

12:10 Habla

Mud, deep puddles, and the two soldiers don't even go near the lone Palestinian who wants to cross the gate before it closes. One solider stands several meters away, in the center of the security road, where it's less wet and muddy, calls out the man's ID to his mate at the checking post. The man waits, as do we. He's not allowed to cross here (never mind the weather: those are Occupier's rules which supersede the elements). He has to go to "the second gate," but that's many kilometers away.  

13:00 Crawling to Qalqilya

Three or four taxis, a few private cars and some small trucks trying to crawl past the soldiers, safely ensconced inside their position. An Israeli car (yellow license plates) stands at the checkpoint and waits. The line gradually increases to twelve vehicles, a white SUV with Israeli license plates, is stopped, checked and moves on. Five minutes later, one soldier, covered in waterproofs from head to toe,  ventures out to the waiting Israeli car, which has to turn around and return from whence it came. An ambulance overtakes the line of waiting vehicles, goes to the head of the queue, waits, as yet another Israeli car is checked, then moves ahead. And the rain continues to fall – heavily and endlessly.

15:00Anabta

 A new, clear sign, painted red on the red plastic concrete divider, announces "STOP." In all  this downpour, there are but two taxis from Tulkarm (never seen that before), and only two taxis to Tulkarm.

Jubara

Also little traffic, and we refrain from trying to get up to Gate 753 and Ar-Ras. The rain is just as bad on the Israeli side of the Green Line