Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Wed 2.4.08, Morning - machsomwatch
Back to reports search page

Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Wed 2.4.08, Morning

Observers: Ora A., Drora P. (reporting). Joske H. (support). Rachel M.
Apr-02-2008
| Morning

  Bethlehem, Rachel’s  passage CP 300:  Many people have been waiting in line for hours. Quite a few lose patience and try reaching the counter, pushing and shouting. 
 

A security company is in charge of keeping order. Generally these people are uniformed and armed, both leading to coarse and imperious behavior. One of them shouts, the other pushes back the first in line, and the third, with his gun at the ready, barges into the queue. 
 

One of them, of higher rank, on being questioned by us about this behavior says: “There is only one platoon here. They are acting in several places at once and we do not have enough people." When we replied that in that case a report on manpower shortage should be sent, he replied that this was none of his business and that he is acting on the basis of what is available.

On asking for help from the CDI (Centre for the Defense of the Individual) we were told that the matter would be taken care of. We then complained to the commander of the area about the civilian security and were told to contact the police. We did it and were informed that a police patrol would come soon. We waited for a while but not enough to ensure that our complaint was taken care of. To our regret those cases occur frequently and we hope to 'improve' the situation next time.

 

Nebi Younes: We met a person for whom we arranged a meeting with Sylvia.

 

Etzion  DCL: People came for different matters and they were invited into the office for discussion.

   

  • 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.
Donate