'Anin, Reihan, Shaked, Thu 22.12.11, Afternoon
Translation: Bracha B.A.
14:15 – Reihan Barta'a Checkpoint
The main parking lot and the auxiliary parking lot near the road are completely full. The seamstresses who work in East Barta'a are returning from work. The car which will take them back to Yaabed is parked on the road since there is no room in the parking lot. They are pleased to see us – we haven't met for a long time. Agricultural workers are also coming back at this time. Some of them are carrying bags of oranges that they brought from work. Among those waiting on the road is a mother with her small twin daughters, who look like twin dolls. On our way to A'anin we met someone we knew, a resident of A'anin, who'd asked us for a ride to the checkpoint. The man had spent the night at his sister's in Um a-Reihan and was concerned he would not be allowed to return through A'anin checkpoint. He asked us to take him to Reihan-Barta'a checkpoint if that happened.
15:00 A'anin Checkpoint
About 30 people as well as three tractors are already waiting in front of the checkpoint gate. The soldiers open the gates and people begin to cross. The military policewoman has no computer today and she is checking people's IDs against her list. She is also checking the tractors. Two soldiers are securing her. An elderly woman and man are detained. After a few minutes they are allowed to return to their homes. Our hitchhiker is also briefly detained and then allowed through.
15:30More people arrive, including the tractor driver, who's been allowed through last week at Shaked-Tura, when his tractor broke down (See report from 15.12.11). They were promised that they would be able to cross at Shaked-Tura on the days when A'anin checkpoint was closed. Unfortunately, he and 25 other farmers never received this piece of information. Tomorrow he will try to cross there and we will check to see what happens.
15:50 – Shaked-Tura Checkpoint
There is very little traffic at this hour. Several women cross, including a child in a pram – a rare sight here.
16:00– There is no need to check if our hitchhiker would be allowed to cross since he has already received permission, so we return to Haifa instead to celebrate Christmas and Hanukah.