ברטעה-ריחן, טורה-שקד

15:00 – A'anin Checkpoint
The soldiers and we arrived at the checkpoint on time.  Dozens of people, including some women, were waiting.  The soldiers opened the checkpoint and everyone crossed immediately together with several tractors carrying used items and junk.  

A polite soldier doing active duty came to talk with us.  We explained to him about the injustice of the separation barrier, and he seemed to understand.  Meanwhile more farmers arrived and the soldier had to return to his duties.  One of the Palestinians told us that the soldiers were very good.  It's all relative, but it's difficult for us to listen.

15:30 – Tura Shaked Checkpoint
The renovation work at this checkpoint is going on constantly.  Now they are taking care of the road that leads to the checkpoint.  At the junction leading to the army camp there is a traffic sign forbidding entry to all vehicles and a sign that says that entry is permitted to workers at the site.  We went in as well.  There were very few cars at the checkpoint which is usual for this time of day.  The constant renovation gives the impression that the occupation intends to be here to stay for a long time.       

16:00 Barta'a Reihan Checkpoint

There were a lot of cars in the parking lot as well as along the sides of the road.  People continued to come out of the terminal to the parking lot to go to their cars or to official or unofficial taxis.  It was difficult for drivers to maneuver and there was a concert of horns, but there was no shouting. 

We left the busy parking lot at 16:30 and drove home.