Shaked, Rihan

Shaked, Rihan, Wednesday, January 5, 2005, PMObservers: Nava R., Ziva H., Carmel B. (reporting)13:45 - Shaked gate is vacant.14:00 - Rihan - The pedestrian passage is run efficiently and is often empty.The checkpoint commander, Liraz, of whom we haven't such fond memories, speaks with us calmly and pleasantly. He introduces himself as "The one you have mentioned in a not so good report." He appears to be determined to improve his image. He goes around the site encouraging his soldiers to act politely and efficiently. Several times he did things that he thought might be perceived by us as negative and asked, "But you understand why I do this, right?" Bottom line: We can say that he tries to comply and satisfy us. For example, he remarks on the quantities of food his soldiers could have approved for passage, but failed to do so (at this time the order is that all quantities are permitted provided it can be inspected).Having said this, we have to comment on the "slips of the tongue " that they might not even be aware of, caused by the bluntness of long service at the CP. In conclusion, we do see a significant improvement in Liraz's and his soldiers' behavior.The waiting time in the vehicle inspection line is about 10-15 minutes. The post was manned by only one soldier, who was considerate in allowing elders and children to stay in the car during the inspection, rather than sending them to be inspected at the other post.Young settlers find it appropriate to comment that "You stick your noses in and then advertise things and look how our country looks because of people like you…. You ... bitch, go home.... Later, when they explode us, no one knows about it."15:15 - We left the checkpoint.