Olives Crossing Friday AM, 28.9.07 (Ramadan)Watchers: Tami B., Daniela G. (reporting)In spite of closure, it was announced that men above 50 and women aged 45 and above, plus women over 35 and men over 45 holding a special prayer permit, would all be able to cross over into Jerusalem so as to reach Al Aqza for the Friday prayers. And so it was. Almost to the letter, except for a few cases of extra leniency (a pregnant woman, a few people who were close to the required age).Besides the many Palestinians (thousands of them, of whom about 2900 went in at this crossing), the place was swarmed with security forces, part blue police part BP and regular soldiers. So as not to create unnecessary pressure, initial inspection of IDs and permits was performed at the entrance to the parking lot by some 5 BP. They spoke Arabic and tried to be patient. At the entrance to the terminal blue policemen were in charge, assisted by soldiers, one of whom was quite rude but was eventually taken aside and reprimanded. It worked and he changed his attitude. All in all, it was obvious the “operation” was carefully planned and except for some cases of pleading, which were handled firmly but were sad to watch, the security forces were polite and almost gentle.