Qalandiya
Qalandiya
Within the framework the writers’ visit for the preparation of the book by the “Breaking the Silence” organization, planned for the 50th anniversary of the occupation, I was asked to accompany the writers to the checkpoints.
04:15 – 07:00: During the whole shift, there was a much smaller number of workers than the amount we are accustomed to see at Kalandia. Because of this, there was no crowding in the lines and the passage was quick. The “Humanitarian” Gate did not open at all. In answer to our question as to the reason, we were told there was “no need”. The real question is why there is any need for this checkpoint itself!
The guests listened to explanations, but it seemed to me that the fact that there was not massive traffic today rather moderated the “experience”. With Yehudah’s help, we were able to show them many photos from other days which showed Kalandia at its “best”.
We saw a youth who had been arrested – but we weren’t able to approach him to get any details of the event. At the opening of the exit from Jerusalem to Ramallah, a man of about 45, who did not feel well, was sitting. I offered to call for help for him, but he refused. I asked him if I could take him to the hospital, but he also refused that and asked me to move away. I noticed that the man sat there for another half an hour, and then disappeared. I hope he is all right.
We left at 07:00, when there was no longer any line and all the bagels had been sold.
Qalandiya Checkpoint / Atarot Pass (Jerusalem)
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Click here to watch a video from Qalandiya checkpoint up to mid 2019 Three kilometers south of Ramallah, in the heart of Palestinian population. Integrates into "Jerusalem Envelope" as part of Wall that separates between northern suburbs that were annexed to Jerusalem in 1967: Kafr Aqab, Semiramis and Qalandiya, and the villages of Ar-Ram and Bir Nabala, also north of Jerusalem, and the city itself. Some residents of Kafr Aqab, Semiramis and Qalandiya have Jerusalem ID cards. A terminal operated by Israel Police has functioned since early 2006. As of August 2006, northbound pedestrians are not checked. Southbound Palestinians must carry Jerusalem IDs; holders of Palestinian Authority IDs cannot pass without special permits. Vehicular traffic from Ramallah to other West Bank areas runs to the north of Qalandiya. In February 2019, the new facility of the checkpoint was inaugurated aiming to make it like a "border crossing". The bars and barbed wire fences were replaced with walls of perforated metal panels. The check is now performed at multiple stations for face recognition and the transfer of an e-card. The rate of passage has improved and its density has generally decreased, but lack of manpower and malfunctions cause periods of stress. The development and paving of the roads has not yet been completed, the traffic of cars and pedestrians is dangerous, and t the entire vicinity of the checkpoint is filthy. In 2020 a huge pedestrian bridge was built over the vehicle crossing with severe mobility restrictions (steep stairs, long and winding route). The pedestrian access from public transport to the checkpoint from the north (Ramallah direction) is unclear, and there have been cases of people, especially people with disabilities, who accidentally reached the vehicle crossing and were shot by the soldiers at the checkpoint. In the summer of 2021, work began on a new, sunken entrance road from Qalandiya that will lead directly to Road 443 towards Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. At the same time, the runways of the old Atarot airport were demolished and infrastructure was prepared for a large bus terminal. (updated October 2021)
Tamar FleishmanOct-11-2026Qalandiya. Female Beggar
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