Reihan, Shaked, Sun 11.9.11, Morning

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Observers: 
Ruthi T., Sara (Guest), Hassida S., (Reporting)
Sep-11-2011
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Morning

Translation: Bracha B.A

Summary: the depressing routine of the occupation. We spent much of this shift explaining to our guest the significance of the seamline zone, the fence, and the checkpoints for the Palestinians. 

Reihan Barta'a Checkpoint – 05:45 – 06:45

Taxis and employers' vehicles are waiting for workers in the upper parking lot.  We saw one of the seamstresses getting into a taxi, and we went down to the lower parking lot, which was empty except for several cars belonging to merchants from Barta'a, and unofficial taxis bringing workers who entered the gate in groups of five.   There were no particular problems.  Underneath the shed there were stacks of cartons of eggs waiting for a car to transport them to Barta'a along with packages of paint and floor tiles and a carton of tehina marked 100% sesame. 

Cars carrying merchandise – one covered with plastic and another that is covered – are waiting – one is in the parking lot and the other at the entrance to the inspection area.  A double truck with yellow license plates is being checked thoroughly net to the yellow gatesinfo-icon and not inside the closed inspection facility.  

We returned to the upper parking lot where we met a worker from the Shahak Industrial zone.  He claimed that his employer was "stealing {from} us" – he does not pay the minimum wage and does not pay for Jewish or Muslim holidays.   We referred him to the Palestinian workers' hotline in Tul Karem (Ruthi said she would get the number for him.  Evidently factories have been moved to the seamline zone where they are not compelled to follow Israeli law.  This matter needs to be checked. 

06:55-07:30 – Shaked-Tura Checkpoint
On our way we saw several soldiers walking up to the checkpoint with their gear and heavy shoes.  One woman soldier is walking with them – the day has not even started yet and she is already out of breath and tired going up the hill.  It is already hot.  We are often asked if we are not afraid to be at the checkpoints without any protective gear.

Shaked-Tura Checkpoint

The gates open.  The new barbed wire looks very cumbersome and is superfluous and unnecessary for the country's protection.  The small children run towards the soldier who checks their schoolbags.  They are used to this and are no longer afraid.  They are followed by the man on his white donkey and the shepherd with his herd of goats who eat everything in their path.   

As usual a well -dressed man walks through the checkpoint and the elegant banker arrives, his car is checked, and he drives on to another work day. 

We left for Jalameh to take Jawad and his father to Rambam Hospital.  We wish him good health.