Bethlehem (300)
Like in the past few weeks the checkpoint is blocked. I moved the blockage and parked. The soldier at the window whistled and beeped and then called out loud, I told him I have an authorization for MahasomWatch to park and turned into the checkpoint.
A few people passed today. Only 2 children arrived. I figured that whoever doesn’t have to pass would avoid being here although there is no curfew.
No officer in sight. Only a security guard sat in the corridor. Most of the time only one window was open but there was no need for more.
The Ecumenical volunteer was a young man from Germany who just passed his training to be able to work here in the next two months. He was very wise and curious and asked good questions. A Palestinian man asked him to help with getting to a hospital but he had no permit. I explained to the young man the different kinds of permits and the various changes that took place throughout the years. I spoke about the importance of reporting and the need to keep the public informed even when it is deeply reluctant to know. He spoke about the efforts he would make to explain the situation here once he goes back home.
Bethlehem (300)
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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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