Bethlehem and Surroundings, Mon. Jan 6,06 AmObservers: Varda, R., Efrat, B. (reporting) The “Monster” 300 Checkpoint: 9:30 We are not allowed inside. We stood beside the queue of cars at the entrance to Bethlehem. The traffic is flowing. We entered the terminal, through the entrance gate to Bethlehem. A woman, with an entrance permit, is not detained for inspection. When we asked why, we were told that during one of the inspections she “aroused serious suspicions” and therefore was taken to be inspected more thoroughly. We waited for her and meanwhile, Dvir Bar-ELi, the Commander of the checkpoint, arrived. We asked him regarding the woman and he only said that she was taken to be checked and will be released shortly. Since time was short, we decided to continue and then, on our departure, saw her far away, since she must have come out through one of the other exits to the street. We went over to her and found her agitated, mixed up and frightened, and crying, said: “I pass by here everyday.” We tried to calm her but to no avail. We don’t know what kind of inspection she underwent and what was said to her. DCO Ezyon: 10:15 We met Mrs. Sumali, the wife of Dr Sumali, and their son who came to receive a permit for the passage to Jerusalem. Some people arrived, although on Friday the DCO is closed . They are being assisted by Amir – who we remember for his “good deeds”, who agreed to provide them with permits. Beit Ummer Checkpoint:11:15 The checkpoint at the entrance to the village is manned by soldiers. The residents say that they are “not causing problems”. We meet with Muhammad and we give him the medication, in Ivon’s name. 11:45 We return to Jerusalem. Because of lack of time, we didn’t visit El-Hader. Regarding the entrance permits for the Bethlehem Choir members: Two weeks ago, a friend of mine – who is the director of the choir and also a Catholic priest – turned to me regarding a concert that they were to give at the Ratisbon Monstary in Rehavia. He told me about the problems that some of the choir members, Palestinians from Bethlehem and surroundings – regarding the denial of permists to Jerusalem. Mrs. Sumali (mentioned above), was not allowed to enter Jerusalem for ten years, as well as two other members. After consultation with Silvia Fortman, I decided to take responsibility for this as my first major project, and try to receive for them the necessary permits. After many letters and requests to the authorities, we received the sought-after permits for all the members – including those who were refused permits for so long. (it was not easyÉ) I take this opportunity to thank Silvia for her guidance, support and encouragement throughout, during times of crisis – and there were some. On the invitation to the concert was written the following: THE CHOIR WISHES TO THANKMACHSOM- WATCHIN A SPECIAL WAY FOR THEIR HELPIN OBTAINING PERMITS FOR ALLITS PALESTINIAN MEMBERS Thank goodness for small victories.