Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked, Ya'bed-Dotan

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Observers: 
Hannah Weizman, Anna Netzer – Shay Translation: Bracha Ben-Avraham
Feb-19-2017
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Afternoon

We saw a lot of "hummers" – armored trucks - today on the road or parked along the side, but did not find out why there were so many.

15:38 – Tura – Shaked Checkpoint

The checkpoint was open, but only a few people were crossing in both directions.  Several vehicles, pedestrians, and several donkeys were on their way to Daher el Malec. There was a lot of litter on the sides of the road near the checkpoint.   

On the other hand, the quiet, green landscape with flocks of birds flying overhead aroused inspiration together with delusion to sit under a tree and meditate.

We left after 15 minutes.

16:05 – Yaabed -Dotan Checkpoint

On the road leading up to the village of Kafin to the right and Yaabed Checkpoint to the left we encountered a tall pole with a Star of David hanging above a Hanukah menorah – a sign reminding people of their place in the area and who is in charge here.  On the side of the road taxis were parked waiting for a bit of business from passersby.  The road leading up to the checkpoint is a crowded, two-way road.  We did not see any soldiers in the checkpoint itself, but the road next to the position was rough and full of potholes, forcing drivers to slow down.   Cars were weaving from side to side as if trying to decide which side to drive on and turn over.   This was evidently a way of forcing cars to slow down and check suspicious vehicles following the incident of shooting from a passing car that took place here.   We counted a line of ten to fourteen cars waiting in the direction of Jenin and the same number going the other way.  It is a dangerous and unpleasant journey that delays people after work hours.  We wondered what would happen if an ambulance had to pass at this hour.   

16:40 – Reihan – Barta'a Checkpoint

Many young people were returning from work and it was pleasantly surprising to see so many of them.  People were crossing without delay.  The kiosk inside the sleeveinfo-icon was closed, but our pleasure at seeing this was premature.  A guard told us that today it was closed but tomorrow it would open again.

We left at 17:00.