Wadi Nar, Abu Dis

Observers: Y. J-L., O. K., Y. S., C. A., and M.R.

It’s the first day of Id el Fitr, and there is a festive mood.
Around the

Old City, before 6:30, there are hundreds of people rushing to
morning

prayer. Near the Rockefeller Museum, the road was blocked by two
soldiers.

We arrived at Abu Dis via the Mount of Olives road. Here also,
there were

people going to the mosque and very little cars moving
around.

At the closed pishpash, there was no military presence. Near the
gas

station, there was a jeep and two soldiers who were holding three
detainees

who were forced to empty out every single item from their clothing
as well as

from the plastic bags they were carrying. Two of us remained to
keep watch

over what was happening there, and the other three went to the
hotel. The

hotel was quiet and there was no work being done, at least during
the time

that we were there. Suddenly, we heard an explosion (perhaps
shots), but

were not able to identify from where they came, and did not discern
any

unusual reaction

We traveled to Wadi Nar by way of Maaleh Adumim. At the entry to El
Azaria,

there was a jeep but no detainees.

The container was quiet. There were border police, including women,
and one

blue policeman. Very little traffic in the area. Four detainees
were near

the shop, and they were released within few minutes after our
arrival. Aside

from one car, all vehicles passed quickly after inspection.
Occasionally,

passengers were asked to get out of the cars for the purpose of
inspection.

Here also, we heard sounds of an explosion. They sounded like
gunfire,

every few minutes. Once again, we were not able to determine
where

they came from, but what was more strange, was that no one reacted
to them,

neither the Palestinians nor the soldiers. Perhaps they were
connected to

the celebration of the holiday.

We returned to Abu Dis, and the streets were still very
quiet.

Happy Holiday.

.