Back to reports search page

Bethlehem, Tue 8.3.11, Morning

Place: Bethlehem (300)
Tags: Slow passage Soldiers at checkpoints
Observers: Idit S., Drora P. (reporting)
Mar-08-2011
| Morning

 

Bethlehem– Checkpoint 300 (Rachel's Crossing):  we arrived at our usual time, but unlike the last few weeks, many people were still plodding along in the queue.  There were only three inspection stations open and the soldier inside one of them was asleep in his chair. This situation of course caused a slow-down at that station and smiles and laughter by those trying to get through, instead of being angry.  We questioned the officer in charge of the checkpoint and he told us that he was aware of the situation and would handle it.  After some time the soldier stood up and started to deal with the people.

The crowd arrived for the last inspection in wave after slow wave.  One of the women attempting to pass through the checkpoint, who teaches in the old city and passes through the checkpoint every day, was refused passage on the grounds that her permit was not in order.  With the help of A (an officer in the civil administration) she was allowed to pass and was instructed to go to the civil administration office to have her permit updated.

We left at close to 08.00 and only then was the queue almost ending.

 

  • 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   .
Donate