Jalama, CP 250 Sunday 1/8/2004 Observers: Sarit R.P., Neta G., Ana N.Z. (reporting), a guest Jalama, 7:00. The view at the site changes from oneweek to another. This time roads were paved and widened, the fence atthe back-to-back checking point was elevated and the entire area seemedcleaner. Quite a sight!!!There are not many cars waiting, and about 30 Palestinians, menand woman (more men), are in line to be checked. Things run efficientlywithout un-needed tension. We were told that the 3 checking points were opened at 5:00 a.m. Hallelujah!!!There is a permanent metal detector checking gate and usually first and mostly womengo through it. Another checking point is manned by a number of soldiers — one stands by the metal detector while another checks the belongings. Accordingto the soldiers, this way of operation streamlines the process, which wasproven right this morning. It is encouraging to think that there are options examined to ease life for the Palestinian population. 7:30. Families of prisoners arrive in two buses on their way to visit them in prison in Israel. As soon as they arrive (about 20 men and woman), theypass through the metal detector. Most of the attention was shifted to thefamily members, young and old, in their holiday attire, holding bags,briefcases etc, filled with “goodies”. The checking of the families delayedthe crossing of the others, mostly men on their way to work and womanwho needed to get to a hospital. The line did advance, but the heat made it uncomfortable to stand in the sweating crowd. The Palestinians are happy to see us, old acquaintances. “Today it’s ok,” they say, “because you are here,” which we find as not accurate.In a conversation with the officer A., we raised the option that they willdesignate one or two checking point simultaneously to the checking of theprisoners’ families. The usual answer is shortage of manpower but there isroom for an effort to accommodate those waiting to get to their daily workon time.In general the soldiers (male and female) act fairly in this predatoryreality. They do use common sense to move things ahead.There are no detainees or unnecessary delays. Back-to-back checkpoint. Everything moves smoothly and orderly. 250 checkpoint. Those getting in and mostly those who are going out arebeing checked randomly. The Palestinians complain that the gate opened at7:30 and it causes delays to get to work. The soldiers acknowledge that, butsay the workers “get along”. How so? If at Jalama gates opens at 5:00, why the delay at CP 250? 08:30. Nothing unusual, so we left.