Bethlehem (300), Fri 20.1.12, Morning
Bethlehem– Checkpoint 300 (Rachel Crossing): a freezing wind, along with annoying rain, welcomes those arriving at the “terminal.”
Two booths open, the place is practically deserted, from time to time people holding various permits cross.
A fragile woman accompanied by her two little children, aged 4 and 5, wishes to cross but is refused because she forgot her “kushan” at home. The female soldier had the nerve to ask the woman: “What are you, Moslem or Christian?” The woman replied that she’s Moslem; it didn’t occur to her to tell the soldier that it’s none of her business.
None of her pleas helped, nor those of people standing behind her on line – in fact, they usually are harmful…One person even said to the soldier, “Let the poor woman cross; it’s her holiday,” and the soldier angrily replies, “Why are you lying, she’s Moslem.” But he didn’t back down and answered, “What are you talking about – Friday is our holiday!” Of course that didn’t help, and the woman had to return to Bethlehem with her children.
A Palestinian who’s been an American citizen for decades wanted to cross without a visa or an ID card. Under those conditions, of course, there was no chance he’d be allowed through, but why interrogate and keep humiliating him?
These sights are so wearing and unbearable. End the occupation already!!