Back to reports search page

Sansana (Meitar Crossing), South Hebron Hills

Observers: Odeda (guest), Hagit S.S. (reporting); Translator: Natanya
Mar-15-2018
| Morning

Since the program for a talk with a pre-military college had been canceled, we decided to visit Huda’s kindergarten in Hashem al-Darej to give a lesson in rhythm with Odeda. ((The previous time it had been in partnership with Mira). On the way, we collected Dalal, the kindergarten teacher of Umm al-Kheir, who wanted to join us.

When we arrived, it turned out that many children were missing because of the grazing season which was at its height  and where whole families migrated to grazing areas for a few months. Most of those who did come to the kindergarten were quite young, but most of them cooperated and all in all they seemed very interested and enjoyed themselves .Odedda had brought with her various accessories she had used in the class. After the lesson, they  tried to pass on to Huda proposals as to how continue similar activity with the children so as to create some sequence. The music player in the garden could help her, but it is not working . (An opportunity to donate?) It was conducted with the help of an insufficient knowledge of Arabic + the very necessary  translation of M., but when it comes to rhythm, movement and sounds – the communication  was easier. 

Huda, as usual, welcomed us with joy and warmth, and of course excellent refreshments which she herself had made.

At the Meitar crossing – both at the entrance and at the exit – very large quantities of parked vehicles, mainly workers and / or merchants who passed through the passage to Israel.

Photo: Hagit Sar Shalom
  • Meitar checkpoint / Sansana

    See all reports for this place
    • Meitar Checkpoint / Sansana The checkpoint is located on the Green Line and serves as a border crossing between Israel and the West Bank. It is managed by the  Border Crossing Authority of the Defense Ministry. It is comprised of sections for the transfer of goods as well as a vehicle checkpoint (intended for holders of blue identity cards, foreign nationals or diplomats and international organizations). Passing of Palestinians is prohibited, except for those with entry permits to Israel. Palestinians  are permitted to cross on foot only. The crossing  has a DCO / DCL / DCL / DCL (District Coordination  Office), a customs unit, supervision, and a police unit. In the last year, a breach has been opened  in the fence, not far from the crossing. This breach is known to all, including the army. There does not appear to be any interest in blocking it, probably as it permits needed Palestinian workers without the bureaucratic permits to get to work in Israel. Food stalls and a parking area economy have been created, but incidents of violent abuse by border police have also been recorded. Updated April 2022
  • South Hebron Hills

    See all reports for this place
    • South Hebron Hills
      South Hebron Hills is a large area in the West Bank's southern part.
      Yatta is a major city in this area: right in the border zone between the fertile region of Hebron and its surroundings and the desert of the Hebron Hills. Yatta has about 64,000 inhabitants.
      The surrounding villages are called Masafer Yatta (Yatta's daughter villages). Their inhabitants subsist on livestock and agriculture. Agriculture is possible only in small plots, especially near streams. Most of the area consists of rocky terraces.

      Since the beginning of the 1980s, many settlements have been established on the agricultural land cultivated by the Palestinians in the South Hebron Hills region: Carmel, Maon, Susia, Masadot Yehuda, Othniel, and more. Since the settlements were established and Palestinians cultivation areas have been reduced; the residents of the South Hebron Hills have been suffering from harassment by the settlers. Attempts to evict and demolish houses have continued, along with withholding water and electricity. The military and police usually refrain from intervening in violent incidents between settlers and Palestinians do not enforce the law when it comes to the investigation of extensive violent Jewish settlers. The harassment in the South Hebron Hills includes attacking and attempting to burn residential tents, harassing dogs, harming herds, and preventing access to pastures. 

      There are several checkpoints in the South Hebron Hills, on Routes 317 and 60. In most of them, no military presence is apparent, but rather an array of pillboxes monitor the villages. Roadblocks are frequently set up according to the settlers and the army's needs. These are located at the Zif Junction, the Dura-al Fawwar crossing, and the Sheep Junction at the southern entrance to Hebron.

      Updated April 2022

       

       

      דרום הר חברון, בית חגי: סוללים דרך ביטחון פנימית
      Muhammad
      Feb-24-2026
      South Hebron Hill, Beit Hagai: Paving an internal security road
Donate