06.03.2011

This morning we were picked up by three volunteer teachers to go to Ein Il Hilwe school. This is a journey we have made on quite a few occasions with these young ladies. Today however, was going to prove somewhat troublesome. On arrival at our ‘usual’ checkpoint, which we have mentioned before, we did all the ‘usual’ repetitive and humiliating things, while Samia did her ‘usual’ thing which was to drive the car to the barrier … easy … not today !

Tayasir checkpoint

Today the main offender, braking all ID requirements and being refused free passage, was a small black Peugeot car in which we were traveling. It is a rule, we were told, that a car from Tubas or Jenin is not allowed into the Jordan Valley. We were free to cross the checkpoint and continue on our way, but only on foot. Considering we were in a remote area walking did not seem an option. One of the IOF flippantly said “get a taxi” when asked how were we supposed to reach our destination. After much dialogue, we realized the IOF were not about to give an inch so we sadly had to turn back. We now endured a detour of 50 minutes to another checkpoint, Hamra, again one we had used before. We asked the girls if this should be easier and they replied it depended on the mood of the soldiers. The same routine was adopted, all passengers leaving the car and driver and car approaching the barrier. The four of us passed through without too much delay other than the repetitive, who are you ? Where are you going ? Where are you from ? What is your purpose? What’s in your bag ? Open your bag, close your bag, give me your passport, move, now go. (to digress slightly, a few days earlier at this same checkpoint a soldier had the words OPEN I.D written on the palm of his hand which he then stuck in front of our faces, he did not utter a word. All commands were hand signals. Using one of our own hand signals we bade him goodbye).

Having been told to go, we realized yet again, that the car had caused problems and like us, Samia, the driver, was allowed to continue but not that ‘silly’ car. As we knew we had lost a considerable amount of time and the children (some, as you know, had walked a long way) would be patiently waiting for their teachers. Brenda and I decided to go back to the soldiers and try and negotiate the “release” of the car. We explained as simply as possible that all efforts would be made to ensure a car would abide by their rules, but for today , would they allow us to continue our journey. Again after much unnecessary dialogue they permitted us to take the car but stated this was only because we were Scottish people and they trusted us. We hope this gives you some insight into the daily life of a Palestinian.

Hamra checkpoint

Every journey, regardless of how important, is delayed by this trivia. We use the word trivia very deliberately because what we have witnessed each day is certainly not for security. We are met with soldiers chewing gum, chatting to each other, smoking, talking on mobiles, eating crisps, drinking Coca Cola and all the while we have to queue until they have finished. We have seen car boots being opened but not inspected, passport taken but not looked at because the soldiers are talking to each other. There have been countless other situations when we were left with no other option but to conclude these soldiers appear to be thoroughly enjoying the havoc, chaos and disruption they are causing to innocent civilians.

Eventually 2 ½ hours late, we arrived at our destination where we were greeted by 13 happy faces and the days lessons began.