'Anin, Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked, Thu 15.8.13, Afternoon

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Observers: 
Tzafrira Z., Neta G. (Reporting)
Aug-15-2013
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Afternoon

15:00 – A'anin Checkpoint

The checkpoint opens on time.  A few dozen people cross quickly.  People are carrying various items and belongings across the checkpoint without any problem.  One of the tractor drivers invites us to cross to his house, where the view is lovely and the weather is wonderful. Unfortunately we have to decline his invitation until a better time.  We are not allowed to cross the checkpoint to the village of A'anin.  

At 15:20 one more person arrives and crosses through.  We leave.  The soldiers must remain at the checkpoint until 15:30, but we don't.

 

15:30 – Shaked – Tura Checkpoint    

As usual, there is very little traffic at this checkpoint at this time of day.

 

16:00 – Reihan – Barta'a Checkpoint, Seamline Zone Side

There are many people crossing to the seamline zone side.  People are dressed up, women in lovely embroidered dresses and children are wearing holiday clothes.  One large family from A'anin is crossing to attend a wedding in Barta'a. Of course they cannot cross at A'anin Checkpoint. They have a one-time permit for the wedding, not an agricultural permit, and people can only cross to A'anin twice a week in the afternoon [and not the opposite direction].  

 

A lot of workers are returning to their homes in the West Bank.  Thanks to the new turnstile they don't have to pass through the terminal.  They cross quickly and there is no line.  A blue awning covers the inspection point. 

One of the people crossing is the uncle of Ali, the child who we often drive to Rambam Hospital for treatment.  The uncle has been working in a factory in Kibbutz Metzer for the past ten years. He is pleased with his work and happy that the workers in Metzer can cross at Barta'a in the morning as well and don't have to cross at Irtah crossing, which is far away and very crowded. The uncle was one of the people who founded the "Road to Recovery" Association in the local newspaper in the nearby town of Hadera.

 

16:40 – We walked up the sleeveinfo-icon to the parking lot.  Almost everyone coming down greeted us with a smile. Just for that it's worth it to come and observe the checkpoint even if things are running smoothly without us.