Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Sun 14.9.08, Morning
7:10 AM, Bethlehem Crossing: Four windows open, hall full. Early in the morning the crossing was fast, now it takes an hour, but from the entrance to the terminal to the other end about 20 minutes. By 7:45 the place is almost cleared.
One energetic looking young worker is refused crossing because of his fingerprints. He is sent back to Etzion DCL where we meet him and try to get him through as fast as possible because his employer is waiting for him with an important job. All Sylvia's efforts are to no avail. When we leave Etzion DCL at 10:00 he is still waiting, nervous, angry, upset.
8:20 AM, Etzion DCL: Not as many people waiting as the last two weeks. We didnt find out how many numbers were given, but one man was without a number expecting to be given one later. We called Newuani, but he didn't answer our call. We had a couple of new clients.
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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