Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal), Sheikh Saed
It's distressing to see the little ones crossing every day on their own. But they laugh heartily when I ask in my faulty Arabic whether it's like this every day. Laughter is contagious..
The wall with a crack positively invites efforts to cross at any price. Besides, it's so ugly and bent.
Constant calls from the pillbox to the many drivers. The veteran checkpoint commander, Y., is fortunately back. Despite his firmness, he's efficient and understands the needs of the Palestinians, and does not treat them all as terrorists.
7:45 Sheikh Saed
A cute female soldier is at the post. She's signed up for 2 years, without a professional's salary. She says that to be eligible for this post, one has to sign. Her calmness matches the indifference and despair of the Sheikh Saed residents imprisoned on their hill. The numerous transit drivers tell me that the road (funded by Americans) from Sheikh Saed to Sawaharra Al-Sharkiya is open — new and excellent. One of my acquaintances takes me to see it (photos added).
And the promised upgrade of the checkpoint? That can wait — but not the imminent enclosure of Sheikh Saed.
Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal)
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A large checkpoint/crossing to the area of a-Tur, Abu Dis and the Old City; only for pedestrians. Located on Jerusalem’s municipal boundary.
One of the major crossings in Jerusalem’s central sector. It is located on the separation fence between the northern portion of the al-Ezariya neighborhood and the neighborhood of a-Tur and the rest of East Jerusalem. It is manned by Border Police soldiers and private security companies and operates 24 hours a day. Palestinians are forbidden to go through, other than permanent residents of East Jerusalem (holders of blue ID cards) and holders of work and commercial permits who are allowed through only on foot.
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Sheikh Sa'ed
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A checkpoint limited to pedestrians, located on Jerusalem’s municipal boundary.
The checkpoint sits on the separation fence at the entrance to Sheikh Sa’ad, dividing it from its neighbourhood of Jabel Mukkabar. It’s manned by Border Police soldiers and private security companies and operates 24 hours a day. Palestinians are forbidden to go through, other than residents of Jabel Mukkabar or Sheikh Sa'ad who have permits. Both groups are permitted through only on foot. Residents of East Jerusalem who don’t live in Jabel Mukkabar are also allowed to cross to Sheikh Sa’ad, but not in the opposite direction; they must return through the Sawahira ash Sharqiya checkpoint.
Avital CFeb-27-2026Jerusalem, Damascus Gate: Crowd rushing to prayer
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