Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Thu 8.11.07, Morning
Bethehem, Al Nashash, Nebi Yunas, Etzyon DCL
Bethlehem CP 06:35
There is apparent movement outside, not uncommon for this hour of the morning on an average day. Inside there are long lines that seem to be moving smoothly and people are exiting quickly with out problem. A few tourists who wish to pass to Bethlehem seem lost. An attempt to take a picture was met with an aggressive response from one of the border policemen (I tell you it is forbidden… I make the decisions…). We have so many pictures from this check-point that I avoid the argument (and regret it later) and make a note to myself to bring with me next time a document we received regarding photographing at the checkpoints; it says that we should take as much pictures as possible of the ugly face of routine evil reality in these check points. I believe it was Limor Yehuda from the organization who gave us this document.
On the way back to the car I photograph the familiar cruel sign that refers to a peaceful relationship between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. The soldiers appear again and yell at us that there is no photographing. We answer back that this is not a military zone and that we have every right to photograph. This time they leave us alone quickly.
Al Nashnash 07:20
Many cars pass by us, however no one stops and it seems we are not needed. One of the youngsters at the coffee stand inquires as to our well being and to our question about his, he replies that it be better. With soldiers watching down from the observation tour on every coffee being sold, how can things be good?
Al Arov 08:00
The usual depressive reality of blockades, Hummers and watch towers and countless taxis waiting at the entrance to the village.
Etzyon DCL 08:15
Deserted. The emptiest we have ever seen this place. The janitor tells us that all 20 people who were there entered the hall a few minutes prior to our arrival.
There is no one in line for employment, and no one is waiting for the GSS. Are there no ‘GSS restricted’ to interrogate? Before we leave a Palestinian GSS restricted arrives. The janitor asks us for help to remove his friend from the restricted list. We referred him to Silvia, while emphasizing the small chances of success.
We leave with a heavy heart…
Depressing.
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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