Barta'a/Reikhan, Tura/Shaked Tue. 27.03.12 morning

Translation: Bracha B.A.

7.30 – 6.00

Reihan-Barta'a Checkpoint 06:00 – The upper parking lot is full of workers.  People tell us that when the c checkpoint opened at 05:00 it took a long time for people to get through the inspection.  "They are constantly changing workers."

At 06:10 the procession of workers coming out of the terminal with their belts in their hands increases.  They report that now there is an efficient worker.  There is a rumor that yesterday morning one of the people crossing was killed at the Tibeh checkpoint.  The checkpoint is undergoing renovation – there are drawings on the walls, a cover is being built over the sleeve, and there are more rock structures in the gardens. 

After a resident of Yaabed asked me to call, I telephoned an Israeli contractor who was forced to terminate his work after many years.  The contractor told me bitterly that beginning two years ago only contractors who were registered in the Contractors' Organization were permitted to employ workers from the West Bank. He attempted to register in the organization but was deterred because of the bureaucracy. He is aware that a lot of Palestinians have lost their jobs because of this ruling. Despite the fact that he supports the Likud party, he admits that he sees no reason for these laws and claims that we are shooting ourselves in the foot because bringing Chinese workers instead of Palestinians only increases the costs of construction and agriculture.  

Shaked-Tura Checkpoint – 06:50 – School children are waiting for the checkpoint to open.  The soldiers arrive at 06:55 and people begin to pass through at 07:00.  The children race through without being checked by the military policeman. About 20 workers and teachers cross from the West Bank to the seamline zone.  Cars with passengers cross quickly in both directions.