Qalandiya - Even the security guards were in a good mood this morning.
An easy, fluid, complimentary morning
We reached the southern parking lot just before 6 a.m. and it took us about another quarter of an hour to reach the entrance to the checkpoint, due to the Via Dolorosa of the new bridge. Once again we noted that the gate enabling people to enter the checkpoint compound from the north (that is, from Kafr Aqeb) was closed. Thus all those approaching from the north had to walk to the eastern entrance (in the direction of A-Ram), adding about ten more minutes to their morning walk. We have not received any explanation for this rather aggravating change, from either the army or Palestinians who come through the checkpoint and would be happy to receive one lest our cynicism is aroused.
The flow of newcomers into the pedestrian checkpoint was smooth and constant throughout the shift, much as in the opening days of the new buildings with all its technological improvements. Only one person approached us, and that was just for a chat about nothing special, not because he needed our help with any problem. He did note, however, that the welcome improvements of the pedestrian checkpoint did nothing to relieve the frustration of those stuck every morning in the traffic jam caused by the vehicle checkpoint. Unfortunately, we had no good news to report on this front for the foreseeable future or at all. Before leaving us, the man insisted that we take a sweet that he had in his pocket as a gesture of his appreciation for our presence at the checkpoint and invited us to visit him at his home in A-Ram. A few minutes later, after we ascended the steps to the open “porch” of the new building, one of the young men passing by called out to us, “Good morning, angels!” When things go smoothly, it’s easy to acquire compliments at this checkpoint!
Just after 7:00, when the flow of newcomers had declined to a trickle, we too passed through the security check quickly and easily. Before leaving the hall, however, we stopped to count the number of machines that automatically check biometric permits just to know the exact number (27, as we could see marked on the last of these machines without counting). Meanwhile, however, we had attracted the attention of the security guard, who called out to and approached us to ask what we were doing. When we held up our MachsomWatch tags before him and he read out the words “NO to Checkpoints,” he smiled and asked: “Then where will we work?” We returned his smile and continued on our way. Even the security guards were in a good mood this morning.
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 FleishmanApr-26-2026Qalandiya. Things you see on the way
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