'Anin, Barta'a-Reihan, Tura-Shaked, Ya'bed-Dotan
14:50 – A'anin Checkpoint
Only 10 people and two tractors were waiting to cross. Our friend M. greeted us and wished us a happy holiday. The soldiers arrived and opened that checkpoint on time at 15:00. After a few minutes, everyone had crossed. Three more people arrived and we left. The fields along the road leading to the checkpoint were filled with wild daisies and poppies.
15:30 – Tura – Shaked Checkpoint
The checkpoint was quiet and a few people crossed in both directions. Five young women were sitting on the dilapidated bench under the awning waiting for a ride.
16:00 – Yaabed – Dotan Checkpoint
We drove past the crowded parking lots at Barta'a Checkpoint and drove through the village of Emricha. Concrete blocks had been set up at the exit from Emricha on the road to the Yaabed Dotan Checkpoint with soldiers standing behind them. The two pillboxes between the village and the checkpoint were unmanned. The memorial candles from the terrorist attack that took place on March 16th had been taken away. The Yaabed Dotan Checkpoint was also unmanned and the only things holding up the traffic were the concrete blocks that closed one lane on the road. The gate, which has been placed there after the attack, prevents people from taking the dirt road on the edge of the main road.
16:20 – Barta'a Reihan Checkpoint, Palestinian Side
There were many people and many cars. One of the drivers asked what our job was and he was pleased with our answer. People were coming back from work and many wished us a happy holiday. Some of them were eating matza and liking it as much I do.
The construction of the new shed is progressing. The concrete floor has already been poured. The vendors selling drinks and snacks have set up their booths on the edge of the parking lot next to the road. They explained that the Palestinian attendants, as well as the checkpoint directors, have harassed them.
16:40 – We left. In two days, our Passover holiday will begin and it will mean a closure
for our neighbors.