Back to reports search page

Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Wed 26.12.07, Afternoon

Place: Bethlehem (300) Etzion DCO
Observers: RB, DG (a young new Watcher) MBH (reporting)
Dec-26-2007
| Afternoon
     

It is the day after Christmas.   Little traffic at Bethlehem CP.

Nonetheless, 3 booths are open.

 

On route 60, between Gush Ezyon and Nebi Yunis, there are many military vehicles, some standing, some cruising, and quite a presence of soldiers.

 

Ezyon DCO:   The place has been hung with many signs, mostly in Arabic, posting hours, phone numbers, and other announcements we could not decipher.  It is cold, clean, and largely empty.   A 77 year old lady from Beit Sahur is there, distraught.  She is Greek Orthodox, and wants to pray in Jerusalem on their holiday, Jan. 6.   She also simply wants to visit Jerusalem, and can't for the life of her understand why anyone would want to prevent her from doing so, but prevent her they do.  All but one of the immediate family have been given permits, and in the past, so has she, and now for reasons mysterious to her she is GSS denied.   Her naive perplexion at the situation reminded us how unnatural it is, even for those living amidst it. Hana Barag will attempt to help her with her modest goal.

 

Bethlehem CP, 5pm:   The terminal is nearly empty.  We leave.

 

  • 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