'Azzun 'Atma, Thu 29.7.10, Morning

Translation: Suzanne O.

Azun Atma

6:20 a.m.

We drove onto the road leading to the agricultural gate.  The gate was locked and there was no one in the watch tower, not even a soldier asleep.  Possibly he will open the gate nearer the olive picking season.

At the Azun Atma roadblock the sergeant 'runs' the crossing efficiently.  While two labourers are being inspected by the military police in the booth, two others are already being called to wait at the edge of the lane so that the sleeve with those waiting in it clears swiftly.

Since a turnstile has been built at the edge of the sleeve it is once again impossible to cross through it into the village.  The sergeant calls those returning to show him their documents (while he is directing the traffic) and allows them to cross on their own through the door in the mesh fence.

As we have said more than once - where there is good will even the bad roadblock can improve - until it is removed completely.

[One of the labourers told us about his daughter who had completed her secondary education with honours and who is looking for a grant to enable her to attend university.  Has anyone any ideas?  His telephone number can be obtained from Esti V.]