'Anin, Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked, Thu 23.5.13, Afternoon
Translation: Bracha B.
15:55 – A'anin Checkpoint: The Mattress and the Law
Soldiers arrived and opened the gates
of the checkpoint. Our friend M. has found an old mattress and wants to bring it home. M., who has already encountered problems with bringing items through the checkpoint (See April 29th, May 5th) is optimistic, and says that there are now new soldiers here who might let him bring the mattress. He asks us to photograph the mattress and that we share the photographs with everyone so that people can see what he is not allowed to bring through the checkpoint. We take pictures as he asks.
Five tractors, a few people, and four women with children crossed quickly. The mattress was not allowed across. There was no answer when we called the Liaison and Coordination Administration. The policewoman explained that there are things that people are permitted to bring, but mattresses are not permitted. The soldier explained that he would like to allow M. to bring the mattress
through, but that there are rules and he has to follow them.
15:40 – Shaked-Tura Checkpoint
Everything is proceeding as usual and a few people cross.
16:00 – Reihan – Barta'a Checkpoint
The checkpoint is immaculately clean. There have been renovations: 1. The view of the vehicle inspection facility, from the bench at the upper entrance to the sleeve, is now blocked with panels. 2. A new bucket is hung above the fake well, 3. A yellow container has been placed alongside the sleeve. We are told that this will serve as a storage room for the checkpoint. 4. Iron netting has been laid down in preparation for pouring a concrete floor near the entrance to the terminal. 5. The water cooler has been repaired and there is now cold drinking water.
It is very hot. Tired people descend through the sleeve and cross to the West Bank. A few people cross in the other direction to the seamline zone.
16:30 – We left a checkpoint that was "functioning smoothly."
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