Abu Dis, Sheikh Saed, Tue 16.9.08, Afternoon
We went first to Sheik Said where we had not been for a long time.
The checkpoint (to keep 2000 citizens confined in their cage) has been reinforced. First, there was a barrier. Then, two separate barriers. Further in, there was a metal fence with barbed wire on top. On either side of the narrow passageway, there was a fence with barbed wire on top.
Two border police were guarding the area for the 6 or so people we saw cross through during the time we were there. There were other guards up in the watch tower. The only thing that was unchanged was the pile of garbage coming down the slope of the hill. Once upon a time, we used to cut across to the other side to speak to the residents. Now, the other side is like a ghost town. We have no idea what ever happened with the Supreme Court case that was to determine the fate of these people. Does anyone know?
We continued on to Abu Dis and the Cliff Hotel. During our time there, one young woman passed through. There seems to be little activity going on at the Moskowitz settlement. No changes in the last 5 months. There was one (possibly 2) guards on the roof, but no sign of anyone living there. Who knows?
The once bustling center of Abu Dis was totally shut down.
Abu Dis / Lazarus gate (formerly The Wicket)
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Abu Dis / Lazarus Checkpoint/Gate (east of the former “wicket”)
Construction of the wall in the Abu Dis area blocked all the gaps that allowed people to cross from al-Ezariya to the neighbourhoods of Abu Dis and Ras al 'Amud that are located within Jerusalem’s municipal boundary. The Lazarus checkpoint is a gate in the wall adjacent to the Lazarus Monastery. Until 2011 it had a door for pilgrims to al-Ezariya and for the monastery’s kindergarten pupils from al-Ezariya. The crossing is currently closed, but the site has infrastructure for conducting inspections.
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Sheikh Sa'ed
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A checkpoint limited to pedestrians, located on Jerusalem’s municipal boundary.
The checkpoint sits on the separation fence at the entrance to Sheikh Sa’ad, dividing it from its neighbourhood of Jabel Mukkabar. It’s manned by Border Police soldiers and private security companies and operates 24 hours a day. Palestinians are forbidden to go through, other than residents of Jabel Mukkabar or Sheikh Sa'ad who have permits. Both groups are permitted through only on foot. Residents of East Jerusalem who don’t live in Jabel Mukkabar are also allowed to cross to Sheikh Sa’ad, but not in the opposite direction; they must return through the Sawahira ash Sharqiya checkpoint.
Anat TuegMay-20-2026Nabi Samwil. This is what living conditions look like in an enclave village without building or renovation permits
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