Bethlehem, Palestinian side - second Friday of Ramadan
We have grown accustomed — that is the first thought when observing the masses of people hurrying to celebrate their most important holiday under an occupation regime that controls their ability to do so. The heat is great, the numbers are in the thousands, passage is exemplary, all is smooth, even the soldiers’ behavior is OK — and the world turns around
year after year.
We were prevented from crossing to the Palestinian side through the iron gate. The Border Police officer, who offered us cookies, insisted we could only cross through the CP. And so we did. Nobody questioned us, and we were surprised to emerge among the soldiers, who redirected us to the press point. Police and army joined forces to prevent passage of any “unauthorized”. Fewer people than in previous years were turned back. As we opened — we have become accustomed. Soldiers and police we knew greeted us warmly.
Accompanied by a UN acquaintance, we went to the women’s passage. As we stood in the shade, a group of soldiers appeared on the heels of a Palestinian who was denied passage, and they attacked us, too. It turned out that the guy was carrying a note that directed him to call MW in case of trouble. We never saw this note before — is it ours? To avoid a confrontation, we left, and don’t know what transpired with the unlucky fellow. The hatred towards us needs no proof.
At the male passage, the crowds streamed through, primarily older people. Did the youngsters pass with the women?
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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