'Anabta, יום ד' 12.9.07, בוקר

Bethlehem, Jewish New-Year’s Eve,

5:05-6:20 am Bethlehem CP
 

A curfew was issued in midnight in preparation for the Jewish New Year and no one was in a hurry to open the checkpoint for those who may be interested in getting through. When we arrive at the checkpoint it was still closed. One male soldier was sitting in checking booth number three and the hall was only open up to booth number four, reflecting the knowledge that the people who come through everyday would not be allowed to come through. Ten minutes later the soldier was replaced with a female soldier and two other female soldiers opened the hall up to the eighth booth and occupied two more checking booths. An additional soldier enters the rear part of the checkpoint, probably to open it.
 

At 5:25 am the Ecumenical Accompaniers call from the other side of the checkpoint and report that there are twelve people waiting and that the soldier had just arrived (twenty five minutes late) to open the checkpoint. Three minutes later the first man arrives at the checking booth. As far as we can see those who pass are holders of blue identity cards or church workers (to whom the curfew does not apply). The Ecumenical Accompaniers report that the soldier at the entrance to the checkpoint examines the people’s paperwork to see if they can get through despite the curfew and sends a few people home. At least two of the women had, like the men, to remove their belts. They put back the belts as they approach the checking booth.

By 6:20 am about sixty people have come through, instead of 2,500 usual on a regular day. 2,500 families – and this is only in the area surrounding Bethlehem – who are losing two days of work because of our holiday. Outside there are five buses and three-four cabs waiting, but there is no one who requires their services.