Huwwara

Huwwara, Beit Furik and Kfar Sarara. Thursday 24 February 2005 Watchers: Nava A., Dana S., Osnat A. Guest reporter: Ofrat.6:30 a.m.Tsomet Tapuach – 27 vehicles wait to pass the road block from the direction of Huwwara.The road block at the entrance of Kfar Sarara – the traffic is flowing well, it is also vehicles (cars, taxis and a tractor). Of the three reserve soldiers standing at the roadblock (another one is standing guard on top of the hill) two guard and one checks.The older soldier asks us to stand further away because “when they see you it creates an unpleasant situation from them and for us”.Dana photographs still life. Before we went the soldier asked us to wait because “he had called the police because we had taken photographs, and anyway he has the authority of a policeman in this place so show him our I.D.’sHe went to our vehicles meaning to note the number plate and while he was doing it said: “what’s the problem, if he had been in our place he would show his I.D. card”. I asked him to show me. He laughed and said that he did not have his wallet with him. I asked for another document which would identify him – he thought for a moment and left us alone. At this point we pacified him and told him that we had not photographed him and the other soldiers. We drove off.It appears that the weapon of calling in the boys in blue – for nothing actually – is invalid. In the light of the increase of this weapon by the reservists – the conclusion that comes to me (and I hope wrongly) is that the army instructs them to do it. Is there no minimum report that a person who calls in the police in has to make before they come to the scene? It is not that we (and I don’t particularly mean our morning shift) really cause sabotage or damage to anyone or to property. What are the criteria that have to be met for the police to answer a distress call from citizens? And from armed soldiers against four women who are standing and watching?Huwwara South No particular events. The traffic is flowing. In the light of the structural changes we are pleased with the fact that the way through is beside the shed and not in it.Structural changes this week:§ The gate to the shed for those held up which was installed two weeks ago has been upgraded – now it is an electric one.§ At the entrance of the road block shed – an electric gate has been installed (in addition to the existing electric revolving gates).Huwwara NorthNo particular events here either. Even though it appears that the attitude of the soldiers has changed for the better, signs of a return to the perversities of the past. Two examples:§ After a period during which we had not seen the phenomenon – today a soldier raised and aimed his weapon at those in the queue being checked. Just like that. He had nothing to do so he stood at the checking counter and aimed.§ Two brothers are held. One is released and waits for his brother. The soldier (from the previous example) saw him and asked, shouting, what he is doing. The man answered that he is waiting for his brother. The soldier, in response, shouts at him to leave. He tells him not to stay otherwise he will have to return to Nablus. The man does not know what to do – he wants to wait for his brother but he is afraid of the soldier. He advances a few paces and stops. Advances another few paces and stops again. Thus, very slowly, he moves in a southerly direction. By the time he reaches the junction between the two road blocks – his brother is released.This is a lesson for us in how, through fear, resourcefulness is born. We call it being street wise.Beit FurikWhen we arrived the road block was empty. Here too the military police are represented, but as in our previous visits here, at this hour the traffic is very, very thin.