Bethlehem (300)
9:00 to 11:10
For most of the shift 3 windows are operating. A pressure is created occasionally and they open another window or two, but only for a few minutes and then they close again because the computer is not working or the soldier has to go on a tour. One of the woman-soldiers enjoys shouting “Maftoch” (open) here and “Maftoch” there and direct the traffic but it's pretty ridiculous and useless.
Some adults were rejected after their IDs were checked and they were ordered to wait for long minutes until it was established that they are prevented.
Today there was a particularly careful examination of the biological pertinence of children to those claiming to be their parents. One of the soldiers, at window 2, who worked throughout the whole shift, was particularly unpleasant, raised her voice, demonstrating a lack of respect, shouted at people even when it was clear that they did not understand her instructions. When she decided to let people pass, it was with a small indifferent gesture of her hand. It’s clear to me that from her point of view she had saved the homeland at least 5 times today. She was very demanding when it came to the children. Lucky the security-guard decided to try and help the Palestinians who did not know how to prove that they are really the parents of the children who came with them. In three cases he used the police computer to verify the matter and ensure the soldier that she could let these people pass!
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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