Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Sun 25.9.11, Afternoon
Is this change for real or merely a coincidence?
Ezion DCL, 15:30: Last Sunday there was no one in the waiting hall at 4pm though quite a few people were still inside the office; the week before we found a very pleasant and efficient soldier girl at the window, and today there are 2 people waiting in the hall to be admitted, not a soul in the office waiting to be serviced! We got in touch with the soldier who was supposed to be at the window, he showed up immediately and the two sole clients were inside. Since this was an extremely "easy" shift, we decided we'd give it a few more minutes and see how long it would take the clients to arrange for whatever they came for. Well, not more than 5 minutes went by and one of them was out with permit in hand and a warm "Shukran" for us though we had nothing to do with his getting it.
Bethlehem CP, 16:15: Lots of workers streaming in and passing freely. People coming into Jerusalem still have to present Passports, I.D.s and permits to the soldier in the only booth open, but it takes seconds and they are through.
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 .
-
Etzion DCO
See all reports for this place-
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.
-