Bethlehem (300), Etzion DCL, Tue 15.10.13, Morning
Bethlehem
As we approached the entrance we saw on the road to Gilo many cars and crowds of people marching toward the checkpoint. Police blocked the entrance and cars were not allowed to pass. It took us a while to realize that the date is the Memorial Day of Rachel the Matriarch. It isn’t clear if people went out to work. Has Eid al Adha already begun?
Etzion DCO
We utilised the early hour and drove to the DCO. It was 08:00 and three young men arrived to obtain permits to enter Israel. "Today is a holiday and we want to take a hike."
Two women-soldiers came toward them, and explained to that the computers are down hence there is no activity at the DCO. The men went back home angry and disappointed, as did we.
On our way back we stopped at Jamila, the owner of the grocery store on the main road, and the meeting was joyful. Again greetings for the Holiday.
In summary: two holidays in one day. To the Palestinian joy in the Palestinian Authority confines, and limitations by our security system, and the other holiday: a prayer to Rachel our Matriarch that our heart’s wishes would be fulfilled
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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Etzion DCO
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serves residents of Bethlehem and surrounding villages who need magnetic cards, work permits for Israel, permits for one-time entry for religious or health reasons, various police permits, etc.
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