Hebron, South Hebron Hills, Mon 21.6.10, Morning

Translation: Bracha B.A. 

Route 35
Tarqumiya: There is a lot of traffic on the road, including Palestinian cars. At Shayoukh Sair the roadblocks are in place and look like they have always been there. The orchards and vineyards are flourishing and attest to wonderful agriculture.

Hebron
Today no one tried to prevent us from entering Kiryat Arba. The caravans at the entrance are still there. At the entrance, intense construction work can be seen, expanding the settlement.

In Hebron itself, streets are almost empty. There are only a few children about as school vacation has already begun.

Curve 160: Two soldiers and no one passing through.
The Cave of the Patriarchs: A soldier is escorting Palestinian children through the pharmacy checkpoint. Shuhada Street is empty.
Tarpat Checkpoint: soldiers check an old man's shopping bag and smile at him as he departs.
Tel Romeida: Several jeeps are parked nearby. Some of the soldiers explained to us that a local resident had recently been disruptive and that was the reason for their presence.

Next to the Patriarchs' Cave, at Abed's, there is Hassidic music playing from Beit Gutnick at a reasonable volume, but still unnecessary. The Border Policemen's position is calm. A lot of children are carrying containers of food that they received from the Waqef (Moslem Religious leaders). Abed voices his disapproval of them and says that they, like the entire leadership, are corrupt.

At Bassem's there is no work. They are not making shoes any more because everything comes from China. We talk with them over a cup of mint tea and they tell us that the settlers intend to take control of all their land to prepare it for the construction of a road, or make a shortcut to the Cave of the Patriarchs. The wadi is called Wadi Al-Hassnin. Is there a way to find out about this and, if necessary, prevent it?