Bethlehem (300)
9:00 to 11:00
Not a typical situation, but this, too, happens: given that there is a checkpoint and there are rules by which soldiers are supposed to act, there was absolutely nothing we could complain about.
The old commander was present, the educated and courteous one. He scurried among the windows, arranging, precipitating, assisting, checking, speaking excellent Arabic, he made sure that everything will be done as best as possible, an experienced and a known soldier is for the best.
At the windows sat soldiers who were quiet and polite. No shouting was heard, no demeaning hand signals. Everything was matter-of-fact.
I reread what I have written, it sounds like army propaganda, but there is nothing here that is not entirely accurate …!
Quite a few people came from Jordan today. Most of them had a visa in their passport. Those who didn’t have one were checked by phone at the terminal and were able to pass.
Some people came with small children without a title deed (birth certificate) and also a 15-year-old boy without a permit. Each procedure was explained to them patiently, in detail and in a respectful way and they were allowed to pass.
Two older sisters arrived, but only one of them old enough to pass without a permit. The other sister was told she’ll have to return home, but eventually another check was made at the terminal and on the phone and they let her pass.
And thus, all the problems were solved.
A few individuals were unable to pass – two young men who arrived without a permit and a family that none of its members had a permit.
I of course explained to the guest that this is not typical. She was at Qalandiya so she saw different situations as well.
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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