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Bethlehem, Nabi Yunis, Fri 27.5.11, Morning

Place: Bethlehem (300) Nabi Yunis
Tags: Arbitrariness, e.g. an arbitrary decision Slow passage
Observers: Efrat B., Claire O. (both reporting)
May-27-2011
| Morning

 

9:00-11:15

Bethlehem– Checkpoint 300:  three checking booths are open.  Crossing of Palestinians from Bethlehem is regulated, so that there are no lines and no pressure from the Israeli side; but judging by the shouting of the female soldier on the other side ("hajah! hajah!"), and by the complaint of a Palestinian who told us he had waited one hour and fifteen minutes — there is much pressure for those coming from Bethlehem.

A very cheery task: we drove to Nabi Yunis to return money to a Palestinian who had transferred it to pay a lawyer to deal with his case.  After working in Israel, he had been abruptly informed that his permit is terminated. He turned to Silvia, paid his fee for the lawyer who was appointed, and then just as suddenly before the lawyer had begun dealing with his case, the prohibition was cancelled…!

There are miracles and exceptions which only affirm the sad and frustrating rules.  We met a man who can once again hope to provide for his family with dignity.

  • 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   .

  • Nabi Yunis

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    • Nabi Yunis

      A meeting place at the junction of Route 60 and the road leading to the eastern entrance to Hebron.

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