Hashmonaim (Ni'ilin), Makkabim (Beit Sira)

Maccabim CP, 05:58.  The parking lot was full of vehicles. A crowd of Palestinian laborers were standing on the highway, at peril.  We went through the vehicle checking point. The long line stretched out all the way to the main road.  It took us 30 minutes to get through on the right lane.  The Palestinians told us that it takes them 10 minutes longer, because they have to wait for their green ID cards.

Hashmonaim CP, 06:50.  There were still people and cars in the parking lot.  Five PAlestinians approached us with their tales of woe.  They reported that this morning the line for the human-checking-machine was longer than usual, because a new operator was being trained.  They wondered why the training has to take place during rush hour.  They related that recently one guy fell while going through the machine due to a drop in his blood pressure.  The Palestinians pass through this machine

3-4 times a week.  They are conserned that the radiation poses a health threat and may cause them cancer.  Those who refuse to pass through the machine are subjected to humiliation from the operators.  They also complained that in the check area a man is walking around with rifle at the ready, sometimes passing over them, someitimes in their midst, in a scary manner.  Additionally they complained of a disrespectful handling if their private proerty, which must pass through the macine as well.  In the process they sometimes lose documents, mobile phones, and clothing articles.