Habla

A demonstration of how personal weapons, the policing of Palestinian movements, and the lack of a civic viewpoint allow the development of lordly behavior which transcends the boundaries of the CP.

06:25  The CP is still closed. Seeing our camera, a furious woman soldier commands -- yes, commands -- us to identify ourselves.  And to show us "who's the boss" delays the opening of the CP.  Another soldier joins her, threatening to break the camera.

06:41   The first 5 people leave.  One had been queuing since 5am, to be among the first.  Another asks us to refrain from speaking to the soldiers, since we "cause a disturbance". People exit in groups of five, including women and children.

On the side, near the nursery, a man awaits his employees.  He is from A-Ramadey, and having heard our argument with the soldiers tells us that last month he has arrived with some straw for his sheep.  One soldier tried to prevent his from taking it through, although he had the permits. Following a call to the DCO he was allowed to pass, but when he was between the fences, the soldier ordered him to unload all the bundles of straw.  Just before the last one, the CP shut down.  Fortunately, he could still use another CP.  He complained, and the soldier is no longer posted at the gate, but rather in the checking shed.  There, too, he is slower than the others.

07:40  All passed, and the CP shut down.