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Bethlehem (300)

Place: Bethlehem (300)
Observers: Clair Oren, Translation: Naomi Gal
Jan-22-2016
| Morning

9:00 to 10:45

 

Only 2 open windows. A line of waiting people is formed time and again. The checking is thorough and there is no leniency whatsoever. 

A woman and two men were refused entry. They did not argue, probably knowing they had no permit and that they are not old enough for the right to pass without permit (age 50). 

The security Guard was the one who required the opening of an additional window. Two female border-guards came out and the higher ranking officer reprimanded him saying it is not his job to intervene. His response: "My job is to make sure the passage goes smoothly" but all he got was a curse. 

Many children passed today and many men and women greeted: Sabah el Hir!" (Good morning)

  • Bethlehem (300)

    See all reports for this place
    • 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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