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Bethlehem (300)

Place: Bethlehem (300)
Tags: Maltreatment Passage Restrictions Transfer Permits to Israel
Observers: Clair Oren, Translation: Naomi Gal
Dec-26-2014
| Morning

Bethlehem Checkpoint 

09:15 to 10:45

 Four  windows were open and by the end of the shift even 5!

Many people passed today, however, 7 or 8 were rejected and each time in the same way: they were told to step aside and wait for the checking results. A few minutes later they were given back the   document they presented and were told (in Arabic) "Mmnoa" (prevented from entering Israel) and were instructed to go back home. Among those refused entry were men and women, adults and youngsters.

No policeman or a senior officer came out so no explanation was provided.

On the other hand a lot of Palestinians passed and were not required to wait too long because so many windows were operating. In one of them sat a woman-soldier who spoke loudly and irreverently. I remember the look of a respectable old man who had a hard time bearing the humiliation of a small movement of the head indicating he can pass. Even my shy smile and the blessing "Asslam alaykum" did not make it easier for him.

An Ecumenical volunteer whom I met in the past was present today.  This time they did not allow him to stand inside the checkpoint.

  • 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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