Beit Iba, Mon 25.2.08, Afternoon

. No special incidents but depression, humiliation and total despair.

15.30 Since the renovation of the checkpoint the whistle of the x-ray device has become part of the routine. About
50 people in line in two turnstiles less than usual. Later Amjad told us that many students who can afford to do so stay in Nablus with no restrictions.

Those who leave the checkpoint do so with their shoes untied and belts in the hands. The shed is an open dressing room  which gives some shelter from the rain. Those who enter are dressed but wet from the rain which drips down from the shed.  Yona asks why shoes are checked, if this is like the airport and is told that sometimes bullets have been found in shoes. Two detainees whom the DCO says have tried to slip through have been there 20 minutes. Yoni is in a good mood. About half an hour later he suggests that they free the young men. Where else do young men of 18-19 years of age  have this power over people?