Sho’afat Refugee Camp, Sawahre, Abu DisWednesday Morning, 3.11.04Observers: S.P., R.R., L.R., O.B. (Reporter), V.L. (Translator)7:10-Shoafat Refugee Camp Checkpoint: Four border policemen at the checkpoint and on the other side of the road. There are many pedestrians, including children. They do not pass through the cage, but rather, along the road. On the other side of the checkpoint, a great number of school children, of all ages, awaiting their rides. The majority of the cars headed for Jerusalem pass without detailed inspections, nonetheless, they do so at a slow pace. It appears quiet, yet even this routine is difficult to watch.7:50-Sawahre: We see “improvements” in the checkpoint from week to week. On the other side of the road a colorful, pretty shack stands with a flag flying on its roof. At the cross point in the road where cars line up for inspection a “cubicle”, equipped with a flag, was built for the inspection point; in this cubicle sit border policemen or soldiers donning plastic covers to shield themselves from the rain. A long line of cars originating from the south, is trudging along the road. The inspections are lengthy, perhaps even meticulous; at the checkpoint only one or two are detained, only to be released soon after we ask “how much longer?” from the chief officer.8:10-Abu Dis: We received advanced notice of the Pishpash Gate fully closed. We go to see for ourselves.The narrow passageway is blocked by concrete blocks. The entranceway from the side of the “wall” is supported by another piece of wall. To make matters worse, a wire fence was added in front of the wall. From the other side within our view we can see someone’s head peeking out from time to time, as they attempt to try to cross. There is no entrance and no exit.Taxi drivers claim that this closure is the result of a direct order by commander G. and has been implemented before the recent suicide attack in the Carmel market in Tel Aviv.The alternative passageway is at the top of the hill, situated nearby the monastery. There is a path through an olive orchard, leading to Abu Dis. The church gate’s locks, are frequently broken by the people living in Abu Dis that still wants to be able to pass there. This, according to a minister, who also complained of the inhabitants’ destruction of the trees. On the very far side of the path there is an inspection checkpoint. No one from Abu Dis is allowed to leave through this checkpoint. Only those returning from Jerusalem are allowed to pass. In front of us we see a wall of some 1.7 meters, which is used by climbers and jumpers – women, men, young as well as very old.In one of my first reports on the Pishpash Gate, I gave it the nickname of “The Point of Shame”. Today I would say that the actual way of humiliation and shame, is unforgivable.