Barta'a-Reihan, Jalama, Tura-Shaked
15:10 – Jalameh – Gilboa Checkpoint
We brought a couple and their daughter in a wheelchair from Rambam Hospital to the checkpoint. They sat tired and quiet in the back and unfortunately we could not talk to them for lack of a common language. The only thing that brought us together was a refreshing snack. At the checkpoint there was little traffic. We parted with a handshake and wishes for good health.
16:10 – Reihan – Barta'a Checkpoint
Things were crowded and disorderly in the Palestinian parking lot as usual, but despite that all the various vehicles managed to maneuver and leave and enter without drivers honking or shouting. This is always surprising. In the upper parking lot on the seamline zone side there was a lot of traffic of people returning home after a day's work. The sleeve
was filled with a constant flow of young people moving quickly. Despite the fact that only two out of three inspection booths were open, people crossed quickly. Those working in Israel in construction in the settlement of Harish are exempt from having their documents checked. They go around the terminal and come out on the Palestinian side. At the exit we met a taxi driver who asked for our help to find out why he was not allowed, by the Security Forces, to enter Israel.
17:10 – Shaked – Tura Checkpoint
It took longer to reach the checkpoint because of a traffic jam. Apparently at the junction between Um Al-Reihan and Tura police were checking documents or simply directing traffic.
The checkpoint itself was quiet. A few cars and several people crossed to and from the West Bank. Nothing was new there except for the cleaner area around the checkpoint and the garbage container. If we ignore the sights of the occupation: the barbed wire fences and army camp, and the checkpoint, we see that everything is green, spring-like, and the air is clear and the view is lovely. The call of the Muezzin sounded over a Mediterranean Switzerland. There was a bright red sunset as we drove back.