Bethlehem, Fri 17.4.09, Morning

Good Friday

08.45 – 11.20 AM, bethlehem Checkpoint 300: two station s are open;  there is a guard from a security company.  A strong and cold wind is blowing. 

Tens of people pass through during the first hour, mostly tourists coming from the direction of Bethlehem.  They wonder where to cross and how to get to the exit.  Most of them follow their tour-guide who directs them.  A few Palestinians also cross.   According to a Palestinian woman who passes through here every day there are quite a few people waiting on the other side but nearly all of them are tourists and very few locals.  

Later-on, there is a thin stream of people, tourists and young and festive Christian Palestinians.