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'...what occupation looks like....'

The men were anxious.  They got out of their taxis at a run, desperate to get through the checkpoint before the morning rush.  It was 4:15 a.m.  These men were not trying to catch a flight or respond to a fire.  Their concerns were much simpler and more mundane.  They were just trying to get to their jobs.  To go to work.

Each day checkpoints screen thousands of Palestinian men and women who need to go to jobs in Israel.  They are going to all sorts of jobs, but at this time of year there is an increase in young men who are working in the various agricultural harvests, helping to gather oranges, olives and other produce as it comes ripe in the cool month before the winter rain.  Their short-term permits are related to this seasonal work.

On Sundays, the men who prefer to avoid the daily checkpoint screening go through once for the week, finding some temporay place to stay in Israel in the evenings  So Sunday mornings are usually busy.

But not like this.

Yesterday, the checkpoint was already full when we arrived at 4:10 a.m.  The line was barely moving.  Before ten minutes had elapsed, I had to climb up onto a bench to be out of the way.  (READ MORE at Chris Cowan's blog)

Accompaniers will visit you

Many of the 40 returned US ecumenical accompaniers are available to teach and preach in churches or speak at events. Invite them to share their experiences and speak about peacemaking in Israel and Palestine. Please click here for a list of accompaniers and their direct contact information.

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