Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Wed 23.1.08, Morning
Rachel Checkpoint, El Nashnash, Nabi Unis, DCL Ezyon
Rachel Checkpoint
Many people were waiting for their transportation outside. Inside there were six posts open and the lines were very short. People greeted us with a smile and ascribed the pace to us. Many construction workers didn't go to work because of the rain.
There were two representatives from the Red Cross. They checked to see how long it took to pass from the first entrance to the exit.
El Nashnash
A resident who had a fine from the police came to us. He had paid his debt but was still classified as "refused passage" by the police. Faras the police officer had already signed a document that says he doesn't have any more debts, he now didn't know what to do. After consulting Haya we learned that sometimes there are more reasons why someone is refused passage, so we told him what to ask Faras the police officer from the Hebron DCL.
Nabi Unis
We waited for half an hour. It was raining and no one needed our help.
Ezyon DCL
The policemen don't work on sundays but there was no notice about this.
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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