Ar-Ram, Qalandiya, Bir Naballah, Hizma

Ar-Ram, Qalandiya, Bir Naballah, Hizma, Sunday afternoon, 11.3.2007Observers: Natanya G. Tamar F. Lizzie S. (reporting), Natanya translating15.10 - Ar-Ram No traffic and we go on our way.15.30 - Qalandiya Two turnstiles open. At the District Coordinator's Office the turnstile is closed. D. came to greet us and allow us through. While we were talking to the people there, D. came and said that the policeman, Babian, had given an order to remove us from the DCO because we are not allowed to be there. We told D. that according to the laws of the state of Israel we have full right to be there and if he has a problem with that then he himself should come and remove us. Natanya stayed at the DCO and Lizi and Tamar went to the car lane.16.15 - Back at the pedestrian crossing. Lizzie tried to re-enter the DCO because Natanya had phoned to say that there was a man who needed our help. The turnstile was closed. The soldier told us that she had received an order not to let us through and the office said that Shadi had given this order. Someone turned to Natanya and said that "they" (the police and the soldiers) are scared to let us in so that we should not see what was happening there and try to help. Natanya came out to us and the man told us that his daughter cannot hear and is partially blind. She has to go to the hospital in East Jerusalem for her regular checkup and to have her glasses changed. He is not allowed to go with her. Five years ago his car was checked and they found part of it not in order. He was fined 8000 shekel, 4000 to be returned to him at the end of the period of his sentence. But until July he is "police refused." 16.30 - In the direction of Bir Naballah A reserve unit mans the post. A long line of about 20 cars waiting 10-15 minutes. 18.00 - Checkpoint Joa On the way to the checkpoint Micky phones to tell us that there is an unusual pressure of cars and so it was. Tens of cars and a wait of about half an hour. Pedestrians were not allowed to pass. The reason: An alert. The checkpoint is in the direction of Ramallah. The entrance to Jerusalem is open, empty and we pass without having to wait. 19.00 - Hizma The checkpoint is open and traffic flows. No checking and the soldiers hardly look at the cars.