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Bethlehem (300)
Place:
Bethlehem (300)
Observers: Clair Oren. Translation: Naomi Gal
9:15 to 11:00
Two windows are open. Relatively few people are crossing at this time. Whenever there is a problem, an Arabic-speaking security guard explains it.
Sometimes he also clarifies things for the woman soldier at the window. For example, a couple arrives and presents a photo of their Jordanian passport. The security guard explains to the soldier that this is the practice: They arrived for a week’s visit and at the border with Jordan, they were given a photocopy of their passport and the dates of entry and exit.
A not-so-young woman arrives and the woman soldier sends her home. The woman is upset and says that she is old (those over 55 can go through without a permit). How come she is not allowed to pass? She turns to the security guard and he explains in one word: GSS.
– "But I did nothing!"
– "Apparently your boy threw a stone …"
– "All my kids are fine and they don’t do these things."
– "Probably one of them did, without your knowing…"
Today there were no Ecumenical representatives.
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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