Abu Dis, Ras Abu sbitan,Sheikh Saed,, Silwan, Tue 4.6.13, Morning
Date: 04/06/2013
Observers: Daphna S., Anat T. (reporting)
7:00 Sheikh Saed
Almost none crossing; and few vehicles. Last week we were not allowed to cross through the checkpoint and had to ask the Jerusalem Envelope DCO representatives to intervene. They instructed the surprised checkpoint commander that civil rights organizations are indeed permitted to cross at this checkpoint as well as to return to Jerusalem. The instructions were received in relatively good spirit.
There were no problems this week, and the drivers above the checkpoint told us excitedly that work has begun on a new road from the neighbourhood to Al Ezariya and Jerusalem, performed by the Palestinian Authority and with overseas funding.
We decided to go there with one of the drivers next week to see the route and its progress.
7:30 Silwan
Its morning tranquility — apparently after nightly arrests — is always surprising.
Archaeological digs on the other side of the road at the Shiloah juncture: The same archaeologist from the Antiquities Authority continues her enthusiastic salvage dig on the other side where relics of a wall and tower from the Second Temple era have been found. This time, an enormous rock had been quickly uncovered, and next week the salvage dig will be covered over. The sewage pipe will not go through this road, but not clear where it can go in an area full of sensitive discoveries. It's not easy to find a spot to lay a sewage pipe in certain neighbourhoods of this city.
8:15 Olive Terminal
Abu Dis / Lazarus gate (formerly The Wicket)
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Abu Dis / Lazarus Checkpoint/Gate (east of the former “wicket”)
Construction of the wall in the Abu Dis area blocked all the gaps that allowed people to cross from al-Ezariya to the neighbourhoods of Abu Dis and Ras al 'Amud that are located within Jerusalem’s municipal boundary. The Lazarus checkpoint is a gate in the wall adjacent to the Lazarus Monastery. Until 2011 it had a door for pilgrims to al-Ezariya and for the monastery’s kindergarten pupils from al-Ezariya. The crossing is currently closed, but the site has infrastructure for conducting inspections.
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Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal)
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A large checkpoint/crossing to the area of a-Tur, Abu Dis and the Old City; only for pedestrians. Located on Jerusalem’s municipal boundary.
One of the major crossings in Jerusalem’s central sector. It is located on the separation fence between the northern portion of the al-Ezariya neighborhood and the neighborhood of a-Tur and the rest of East Jerusalem. It is manned by Border Police soldiers and private security companies and operates 24 hours a day. Palestinians are forbidden to go through, other than permanent residents of East Jerusalem (holders of blue ID cards) and holders of work and commercial permits who are allowed through only on foot.
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Sheikh Sa'ed
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A checkpoint limited to pedestrians, located on Jerusalem’s municipal boundary.
The checkpoint sits on the separation fence at the entrance to Sheikh Sa’ad, dividing it from its neighbourhood of Jabel Mukkabar. It’s manned by Border Police soldiers and private security companies and operates 24 hours a day. Palestinians are forbidden to go through, other than residents of Jabel Mukkabar or Sheikh Sa'ad who have permits. Both groups are permitted through only on foot. Residents of East Jerusalem who don’t live in Jabel Mukkabar are also allowed to cross to Sheikh Sa’ad, but not in the opposite direction; they must return through the Sawahira ash Sharqiya checkpoint.
Avital CFeb-27-2026Jerusalem, Damascus Gate: Crowd rushing to prayer
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Silwan
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Silwan is south of the Old City of Jerusalem and has become one of the main confrontation areas with settlers.
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