DCO Etzion, Beithlehem, 26.9.04, PMWatching: Tzipi E., Judith S.At 15:00 we arrived at the DCO, and for the first time since we are going to the southern CPs, there wasn’t even one Palestinian at the place (nevertheless, today the fans were working). After a while, people started to arrive, and among them: A lucky guy who got his magnetic card after 2 years and after spending an woeful lot of money on a lawyer; A father of five children whose son is deaf and needs some medical treatment for his lung problems once every month; A handicapped man who used to work in Jerusalem for many years and wants to go to the hospital for check ups. His request was rejected, and we spoke to the soldiers in order to get some clarifications. In response, the man was asked again to the counter and got a detailed explanation for being rejected. The “speaking embargo” towards us seems to be over, and the soldiers were quite decent (the case itself didn’t justify breaking the rules; The guy will come again with the right papers). At some point a group of people came in. One of them was a deaf man, looking completely lost. He has 3 little children at home, his wife died, and his new wife refuses to take care of the children. The family lives practically on nothing. His friends asked us if we could help. It’s a case of social and economic need, not exactly an issue we – as an organization – deal with. Nevertheless, we gave him a phone number and a symbolic donation, and got back a smile from ear to ear.16:45 – El-hader. The place is extremely alive and no security forces around.17:00 – Beit Jalla. Quiet atmosphere at the CP, and the soldier is efficiently letting the traffic go through.17:45 – Wallaja. Along the road leading into the village a new fence was built. We have no idea for what purpose.17:30 – CP 300. No events.