October 8, 2002

It’s delightful when all the busses are able to travel.

All the kids came to school today. The bus from Tubas was stopped at the new checkpoint, and the soldier, who had questioned everyone yesterday, recognized the bus. He chatted friendily with the kids in Hebrew-accented Arabic, asking how they were and asking if they were going to school in Zababdeh. He then told them to have a nice day and waved them through.

When he related the story to us, our Tubasi colleague was elated - not only to be let though without trouble, but also because of the soldier's humanity and friendliness. Moments like this are a strange ray of hope in this place.