Qalandiya, Tue 10.7.12, Morning

Chana S. (translating)

6.00 Qalandiya – we returned to you again. You have returned and the queues return to you. And all the efforts to make things easier have changed the conditions only marginally.

This morning, those who arrived in the hours 5.30-7.15 took an hour to get from the parking lot through to the exit of the checkpoint. And this, although the change of guard took place thanks to our efforts and the humanitarian gate, we should note, was open all the time.

And so, at the hardest time, when everyone has to get to work, to study (some students apparently on their way to exams), to hospital, the long line reaches as far as the parking lot.

But note that the memory of that historic week, when everyone passed through quickly and quietly, continues to influence all and even the long line is relatively peaceful – just with shouted announcements. Perhaps such a week will return – we can always hope.

The waiting shed is always filthy and dark. A single neon out of 12 is alight. No one has thought to replace the other burnt-out ones.