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Bethlehem, Fri 7.1.11, Morning

Place: Bethlehem (300)
Tags: Slow passage Soldiers at checkpoints
Observers: Efrat Benbenishti, Hannah Barag (reporting)
Jan-07-2011
| Morning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Bethlehem– checkpoint 300:  shouting can be heard from the depths of the checkpoint.  Clearly passage is difficult, and many have been waiting a long while.  A long line forms also at the window where documents are checked.  Hard to understand why each person crossing has to present three documents – an ID, a magnetic card, and a permit.  What is this – a reading test for the soldiers?  Or is it the case of a state which cannot trust the validity of the documents it has itself produced? Or is it just another version of irrational and wicked harrassment by the bureaucracy?  Who knows!

Only one mango-meter is working and for the duration of our stay only one checking station is open.

A young officer comes up to us to ask if all is OK.  No, we say, nothing is OK.

The officer (second lieutenant): So what do you want me to do?

We: We're not in charge here; the solutions are up to you.

Officer: So should we post more manpower?

We: Yes, after all, it's well-known that people leave for prayers at this hour, and that requires more manpower.

Officer (muttering aggressively):  I have no more soldiers.  If you have, bring them.

  • 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   .
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