Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Sun 11.9.11, Morning
Two of the security company’s guards complain that we’re not “standing in that corner.” We explain to them their error, and they back down.
8:30 Etzion DCL. Many cars in the parking lot today. 20-30 people inside. Ten already entered the offices within. Many more people arrived during the hours we were there, mainly younger people, but the first ones who’d gone in hadn’t yet come out during the entire two hours we were at the DCL. Not one. When we arrived, many people who had been denied entry permits by the Shabak for security reasons crowded around our car. The explanations of what has to be done to overturn the denial lengthen as the procedure is made more complicated, the need for translators, etc. It seems as if a substantial number of the denials are due to refusal to collaborate. They were at the Shabak’s offices, were asked to “help us, and we’ll help you,” and refused. An unacceptable situation, and one that is also illegal.
A notice inside, in three languages, about a web site with information about the checkpoints, their hours, documents required (that can be downloaded), etc. Here’s the URL:
www.cogat.idf.ilBethlehem (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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