'Awarta, 'Azzun 'Atma, Beit Furik, Burin (Yitzhar), Huwwara, Shomron Crossing, Za'tara (Tapuah)
This time the purpose of our trip was to condole with the family of our friend, Abu Ahmad, who had died an untimely death.
07.25 Azzun Atma.We left late and the checkpoint was empty when we got there. A few workers arrived and passed quickly through the checking post. At the side three men who had been detained are waiting. They were caught at the crossing in the fence after 5am. Their IDs were in the hands of the soldier and they were waiting impatiently for the ids to be returned so that they could go home.
The Shomron crossing. There are no police at the exit from Israel. A long line of settlers going to work.
07.55 Za’tara/Tapuach. We did not see soldiers at the posts. There was much traffic on the ascending road.
Checkpoint of Yitzhar/Burin.No army prescence.
08.30 Beit Furik. No army presence at the checkpoint. In the village we went to condole with the family of Abu Ahmad. Two weeks ago he had been taken to the hospital in Nablus because of complications with diabetes. Many will probably remember him because of the “café” which he ran at the back to back checkpoint in Arwarta. Even after the checkpoint had been removed we continued to visit him in the village. He provided us with the best olive oil, olives, peas and the local za'tar. He left a widow and children of whom the smallest is not yet at school. During the last years he had been building a home so that he could at last leave his parents’ home. This morning the son promises us that they would finish the work for the mother so that she would not have to continue living with her in-laws.
Awarta. The yellow bar closes the road.
08.40 Huwwara The checkpoint is not manned.
A soldier guards the ascent to Bracha settlement.
Checkpoint of Yitzhar/Burin. No soldiers.
8.50 Za’tara/Tapuach.No checking at the posts. A border policeman sends cars every now and then to the parking area to be checked by the dog.
Shomron crossing. The traffic flows.