Back to reports search page

Hebron: A Palestinian leaves his home and does not know how many barriers await him

Place: Hebron
Tags: Walls and Blockades
Observers: Hagit (Reporting and photos) Translation: Bracha Ben-Avraham
Dec-25-2019
| Morning
Hebron: The block with an iron gate at the Dora al Power junction, closed and open at times
Hebron: The block with an iron gate at the Dora al Power junction, closed and open at times
Photo: Hagit Back
Hebron: a permanent checkpoint in the Kafisha neighborhood, which marks the border between H1 and H2
Hebron: a permanent checkpoint in the Kafisha neighborhood, which marks the border between H1 and H2
Photo: Hagit Back
The new gourd position added in Hebron near Rachel and Leah House
The new gourd position added in Hebron near Rachel and Leah House
Photo: Hagit Back

The Principle of Uncertainty

When people leave their homes they are never aware of how many checkpoint or roadblocks they will encounter.  This is the way things were at Dura al Fawar Checkpoint for three consecutive days this week.  On our way to Hebron we stopped and I took pictures.  On our way back I remarked to my driver M. that perhaps there would be a Hanukah miracle and the checkpoint would be open. 

Indeed a miracle did happen.  The gate was open and there were no soldiers.  I wonder if the miracle will last for eight days as well.  We will follow up. 

At the iron gate in the Kafisha neighborhood the principle of uncertainty and everything is strict and permanent 24/7.  This location marks the boundary between areas H1 and H2 in Hebron.  This is also where the apartheid road on which Palestinian vehicles are not allowed to travel without a special permit.  In Hebrew this road is known as the Zion Route.  

 

There was a sign hanging next to the stairs leading to the Palestinian Kordova School with a Chanukah greeting meant for the Jewish settlers in Hebron.  Palestinians are not allowed to walk on Shuhada Street from this point onward.  The stairs are only for Palestinians.  Have we already mentioned apartheid?   

A guard station has been built next to the Rachel and Leah house that was purchased by the settlers and soldiers check passers-by at random.  

Palestinian laborers are working at renovating roads and sidewalks.  It is cold in Hebron and there are few people outside.  This city is a depressing place.

 

 

  • Hebron

    See all reports for this place

    • According to Wye Plantation Accords (1997), Hebron is divided in two: H1 is under Palestinian Authority control, H2 is under Israeli control. In Hebron there are 170,000 Palestinian citizens, 60,000 of them in H2. Between the two areas are permanent checkpoints, manned at all hours, preventing Palestinian movement between them and controlling passage of permit holders such as teachers and schoolchildren. Some 800 Jews live in Avraham Avinu Quarter and Tel Rumeida, on Givat HaAvot and in the wholesale market.

       

      Checkpoints observed in H2:

       

      1. Bet Hameriva CP- manned with a pillbox
      2. Kapisha quarter CP (the northern side of Zion axis) - manned with a pillbox
      3. The 160 turn CP (the southern side of Zion axis) - manned with a pillbox
      4. Avraham Avinu quarter - watch station
      5. The pharmacy CP - checking inside a caravan with a magnometer
      6. Tarpat (1929) CP - checking inside a caravan with a magnometer
      7. Tel Rumeida CP - guarding station
      8. Beit Hadassah CP - guarding station

      Three checkpoints around the Tomb of the Patriarchs

      חברון - יוסרי ג'אבר וחלק ממשפחתו
      Raya Yeor
      Dec-18-2025
      Hebron - Yusri Jaber and part of his family
      View the full album
Donate