Etzion, 

14:15 Many cars filled the parking lot. The waiting room was full and about twenty people crowded outside the front door. It has been a long time since we saw such a large crowd. Some people complained that they have been waiting since six in the morning. 

Others said they arrived at eight. They all came to receive or renew magnetic cards because on these days they are renewed. You can get, or renew, the cards three days a week; twice a week two half-days, from morning until noon, and twice a week during two full days, from morning until closing time, a total of three days only. Today is a full day, many people arrived but only few were shown in. Handling was very slow.

We started to make some calls, but nothing changed. We were told that only two soldiers are working inside, hence the slow process. We spoke to someone in the Humanitarian Center who promised to help. Maybe it was their influence that brought another soldier to help. At 16:20 all the people waiting were let in. The soldiers apparently discovered that closing time is approaching and decided to hurry up and finish their job.

We left deeply frustrated. It’s been a long time since we failed so miserably.