Back to reports search page

Bethlehem (300): There is no trace of the Ramadan celebrations

Place: Bethlehem (300)
Tags: Ramadan
Observers: Hanna Barag
Feb-27-2026
| Afternoon

There is no trace of the Ramadan celebrations. Everything is desolate. The buses that in previous years arrived one after another, “pouring out” worshippers, now stand empty on the side, with drivers simply waiting for the end of the fast. The only bus that did arrive wasn’t full, carrying only elderly women. There are no preparations on the ground; people pass through the regular crossing just like any other day of the year.

And as if to add insult to injury, they delayed the opening of the checkpoint today. The vehicle crossing is closed because they are “repairing the roof”—as if this couldn’t have waited until after the holiday. It’s terrible. My Palestinian friends spoke only of their fear of the settlers and of a war breaking out. Fortunately, they are Christian and hold transit permits, but the anxiety that the checkpoint might close even to them is their main concern. So many families depend on the income of these women. It’s enough to make you cry!

 

Location Description

  • 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   .
Donate