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Bethlehem (300)

Place: Bethlehem (300)
Observers: Clair Oren, Gabby, a guest from Germany Translator: Naomi Gal
May-02-2014
| Morning

Bethlehem

09:30-11:40

No one was turned down today! All passed, hardly waiting. The gate between the windows opened several times. Not a sound came from the Palestinian side of Bethlehem Checkpoint. People came out smiling. No one seemed angry or upset. Since this situation doesn't represent what usually goes on here I tried to fill out for the guest a lot of information, facts and examples so she'll understand that this is not the whole picture…

Many people passed and most of the time two windows were open and at one point a third one opened. Many children passed, no parent was required to present a permit for his/her child. 

The security guard told me: "Why on earth should they demand a permit for a child? What can a child do? There is no such thing." (???!!!)

At the beginning of the shift there was also an Ecumenical volunteer.   

  • 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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