Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Thu 18.3.10, Afternoon
Etzion DCL: the billboards in the waiting hall were full of notices on land confiscation, all in Hebrew. No translations into Arabic. Two elderly people came in, seeking information on the confiscations.They complained that they could not read the Hebrew. They were allowed into theoffices where they were told that there was no one there who could answer theirqueries. We attempted to phone and clarify matters but were unsuccessful.
A Palestinian approached us with his problem: since his house sits on a slope near the main road, he constructed a high protective wall to safeguard his home from road accidents. A military vehicle whose driver apparently fell asleep crashed into his wall. The four passenger soldiers were saved. The wall was ruined, his house was hit, a waterpipe burst, flooding his home and causing heavy damage. He photographed the destruction, had it confirmed by an engineer who assessed repairs at 9000 NIS. He applied to the DCL to receive compensation. Danny of the DCL admitted that the wall had saved the soldiers but denied the responsibility of the DCL and referred him to the police. The police advised him to hire a lawyer and an engineer, suggesting that this would be a lengthy procedure. He complained bitterly that the authorities, instead of being grateful and awarding him with a fair compensation, were now sending him off with tiresome demands and expenses.
A youth told us that his mother was at 'Hadassah Ein Kerem' in a serious condition following head-surgery. He applied for a permit in order to nurse her but was refused – a Shabak refusal. Danny promised to support the request as the mother was in grave condition.
Bethlehem (300)
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Located adjacent to the Separation Wall ("Jerusalem Wrap") at the north entrance to Bethlehem, this checkpoint cuts off Bethlehem and the entire West Bank from East Jerusalem, with all the serious implications for health services, trade, education, work and the fabric of life. The checkpoint is manned by the Border police and private security companies. It is an extensive infrastructure barrier and is designated as a border terminal, open 24 hours a day for foreign tourists. Israeli passport holders are not allowed to pass to Bethlehem, and Palestinian residents are not allowed to enter Jerusalem, except those with entry permits to Israel and East Jerusalem residents. Israeli buses are allowed to travel to Bethlehem only through this checkpoint.The checkpoint, which demonstrated harsh conditions of crowding and extreme passage delays for years, started employing advanced electronic identification posts and has upgraded its gates' system as of the middle of 2019 - and conditions improved.Adjacent to the checkpoint, in an enclosure between high walls and another passage, is the historic Rachel's Tomb, which is now embedded within a concrete fortified building. It contains prayer and study complexes for Jews only, as well as a residential complex. updated November 2019 .
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Etzion DCO
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serves residents of Bethlehem and surrounding villages who need magnetic cards, work permits for Israel, permits for one-time entry for religious or health reasons, various police permits, etc.
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