Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Wed 19.8.09, Morning
06.45 Rachel's Crossing
Today was a good day : people were smiling and the traffic flowed quickly.
We spoke to Barbara, an Ecumenical volunteer, who came from the other side with the following information : The Humanitarian gate opened at 04.40, and the second one at 05.00. According to their records, 2,290 people passed through by 07.00.
The usual phenomenon recurred of a man with a valid crossing-permit who was refused entry at the last inspection-station. In answer to his question why he was refused, he was directed to another station for finger-print examination on another machine which confirmed he could pass. Out of personal repect it is important that he be told the reason for the initial refusal, and the fact that it was because of a faulty finger-print machine.
07.45 Etzion DCL
The DCL was opened on time, but reception of people started only twenty minutes later. During the next half an hour no-one came out, and the question is what held up the work inside.
More than at normal times, people came to receive a magnetic card in order to go to the Tmple-Mount for Rhamadam, but it was not clear that the CDL had made proper arrangements for this.
The insructions were not in Arabic, and people were pushed in the direction of the revolving door and again returned to the same place and again there was no clear explanation. And this, of course causes irritation amongst the people.
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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