'Anata, Qalandiya, Thu 19.3.09, Morning

Anata

6:30-7:20
A young man greeted us on the street first by asking why checkpoints exist and then commenting that if he had a choice, he would like to see heads cut off of all Jews. We did not respond.

The soldiers, polite and anxious to relieve some of the congestion, opened up an extra lane to allow the traffic to flow more smoothly which it did.

A double fence had been built theoretically to make it safer for the children crossing but since they came across from the other side, few used it and when they do cross over,  there is no crossover. One does exist but not near where the children move. Perhaps the town could organize a street crossing to make it safer for the children.

Qalandiya

7:50-8:45
There were no lines to enter here and the internal lines moved quickly and smoothly. One person commented to us that the problems with the lines are often on Sundays and Fridays though we have been there on Thursdays where long lines, external and internal, existed.

No soldiers present in the area and the one soldier sitting in the booth reading a newpaper appeared oblivious to anything going on until we made eye contact with him to indicate to him that we were leaving at which point he locked the gate and we could not exit. He would open it to let the Palestinians pass but then stop it as we tried to enter it. After happening two times, we contacted Tomer the Nagid Maavarim in Qalandiya. He was very nice and responsive and called immediately but the soldier continued to lock us out. Tomer had to call him three times until we were able to get through.

We believe that this incident should be noted and any action should be taken to avoid such future behaviour.We advise that the log be checked to identify the soldier on duty during this unfortunate incident.