Bethlehem and Surroundings–Sun. May 29,05Observers: Ofra B, Chana A (reporting)6:45 Bethlehem CP 300: A long line of people was waiting for the checkup to get into Jerusalem. Approaching the CP, we had noticed about ten Palestinians already on the Israeli side, walking to catch a ride into the city. Even though the commander of the CP was unpleasant, and the rows of sandbags protecting the inspecting BP in their booth were heavy, it seems that it was easier to pass through.7:00 Al Khader: The usual bustle, absence of army. No improvement in the obstructing earth mound. We were approached by Munir Shkarna who has no permit to get into Jerusalem, was caught in the city without one and had his magnetic card taken away by the police. We promised to ask Chaya/Ada who are dealing with his case.We drove on to beyond Halhul, saw no army presence except at Al Arub refugee camp, where there is an armored car at the entrance all the time.8:00 Ezyon DCO: the windows were shut and the army ones opened only at 8:10, one by one. There was an announcement in Arabic saying the police would not be there until Wednesday, a very unfair surprise, as many people need Maher there.There were two men who approached us with similar stories. Both were from Zur Baher, married to Jerusalemites. Both have been married for years and have been applying for family reunion all that time. They had permits from the Ministry of Interior to reside with their families, but the police does not recognize these permits (it says so in a sentence stamped by the police on the letter from the Ministry). They have to apply for a renewal with the police every three months. When the new permit takes weeks to materialize, the men stay in Jerusalem anyhow. They were both caught without their permits and given a police block on their entrance. We have the names and telephone numbers and will contact our MW colleagues for advise. The men, both with large families, cannot work or even stay at the family home. One of the men had his police file cancelled, but Azhar at the Minhal had not been notified and told him to wait a week. We had hoped to get clarifications on this bureaucratic labyrinth from Faris of ACRI, but the meeting planned with him was cancelled.We also met a 40+ man whose church, the Latin Patriarchate, usually deals with his work permit (he takes care of an elderly person in Jerusalem). He was referred to Beth El, but he is from Bethlehem and told them that. He was called back to the Azhar’s window and waited there for a long time. Hopefully he got what he was waiting for.