Bethlehem CP and Etsion DCLSunday, July 8, AMWatchers: Sylvia P, Ofra B, Chana A (reporting)Two guestsBethlehem CP: 6:50 Many workers outside, in a bad mood. The gate was opened late (05:15) and the lines were slow. This situation has persisted all through last week (see the reports!). Our Ecumenical colleagues were full of stories of lateness, rudeness, and a general sense of “to hell with it”. The hand deciphering machine gives a lot of problems, several workers with valid permits were turned away and told to go and report to the DCL to get the hand print changed. Absolutely mad. People need to make a living and these machines prevent them from going to work.Etsion DCL: 8:15 Not many people there at this time. Many come to us for answers and complaints. One lawyer from Bethlehem, a peace activist, has been invited to a conference in Berkeley, CA. He needs to go to the US consulate in Jerusalem for an interview to get the visa. But he cannot get a permit. We are trying for him through connections in the consulate. If anyone can help, please get in touch with Chana. Work permits are given out at the gate leading to the employment office inside, as usual. Numbers for magnetic cards are also given out there starting at a little after 10. The age for workers’ permits has been lowered to 28, but that’s not new for today.