'Anabta, Wed 6.1.10, Morning

Anabta 10:20

– Free passage. Although cars pass without inspection, a group of soldiers standing there draws our attention and we go down to watch them. It turns out they are only waiting there and are not connected to the checkpoint. 

We introduce ourselves and strike up a conversation. We talk about the checkpoints, the occupation and its history, education and values and security. We discuss the question what is in accordance with democracy and what contradicts it. 

The one most active in the conversation is the commander who is a settler. There are also other religious soldiers, yet they are all willing to talk and also listen! We feel that, if only for this conversation, this shift has been worthwhile. 

10:45 – We leave the checkpoint.