Bethlehem–NOv. 23, 04 AMObservers: Nava A., Hana S., Soli P. Diana H.(reporting)First day of winter. Very few people outside – Palestinians, Israelis,civilians or soldiers.Bethlehem CP 300 – 6:45The CP is almost empty. The commander approaches us:he recognizes some of us by now. He answers ourquestions and invites us to come closer to thechecking station. But there are no people, no cars, nodetainees.The Tunnels CP – 7:05Very busy, a big traffic jam, but not many detainedcars. The checking process must be slow.Al Hadr – 7:10Very few people, very few cars.Etzion CP – 7:25The CP is not mannedHumanitarian Gate, North Hebron – 7:50Closed. No soldiers present. A bulldozer is parkedopposite the pillbox. People and vehicles cross HalhulBridge.El Arub – 8:05The two access roads from Route 60 are open totraffic, for the first time in 6 months. Youngstersare waiting for a ride to the university. 2 army jeepspull up. A soldier asks us: “What happened? Did theythrow rocks at you?” Nothing happened, we shrug. 3soldiers watch from the side of the road. 4 othersseem to be getting ready for action, but eventuallyget in the jeep and drive South. A woman living in thehouse facing the pillbox comes out with a toddler. Iwave and he smiles and waves back, happy. I askmyself: how can you raise a child when a soldierstands right in front of you with a drawn rifle.Etzion CP – 8:15Not manned.DCO Etzion – 8:20Close. Computer malfunction. Only 2 people wait in theshed, a building contractor and his son. They are toldto come back on Suday. We call Azhar, and in a fewminutes the computer is operating again. The man seeksto renew his magnetic card, but has some problem withthe police. Maher arrives early today, opening thewindow at 8:35. He tells the petitioner that there isno problem, but the computer has not been updated. Wecontact Azhar again, but the man will have to comeback Sunday. More people arrive. Only magnetic cardsare processed today, no permits.Comment: There is a crack in the wall of the shed;rain water seeps in and floods the counter wheredocuments are handled. Thus, many important (andcostly, because of the stamps) papers, dealing withhealth and livelihood, get wet, smudged and stained.They are treated as contemptuously as the people whohold them.El Hadr – 8:55More traffic, more taxis, the usual commotion.Beth Jalla – 9:10A long line; meticulous check-up. A vehicle withyellow license plate is detained, then told to turnback. The driver has a blue ID, but apparently missessome other document that would enable him to cross tothe Palestinian side. The man pleads, offers to leavehis ID until his return. After a 5 minute argument,while we watch, he is allowed to go to Bet Jalla withhis blue card. The soldiers stand in a puddle, theirboots wet, and they look miserable. We turn to go toBet Jalla, but a soldier calls us back. Wallaja CP – 9:35 No traffic, no detainees. The policemen are smiling.The sun has come out.