Bethlehem CP 300, Hal Hul,El Khader,Etzion DCO

BEthlehem and surroundings Dec. 20,04 AMObservers: Neta E, Mor B, Michal B (reporting)6:30 - 7:15Bethlehem Checkpoint 300: Very little traffic. No detainees and there is a short line moving quickly. A pleasant conversation with Zohar who was at the checkpoint. Regarding our question concerning the change in regulations about free passage for the elections, we were told that there are no changes in the instructions -- only people with passes will cross.7:20 - 8:00El Khader. Regular movement of people as usual through the mounds of dust. In these days they are dry but difficult for an ordinary person. Also, anyone who has difficulty getting around or who is carrying goods (and there are a lot of these) it is extremely difficult. There was no army presence.8:20We went past Halhoul. The gate was open for traffic but the main road was closed to traffic by an iron gate. The intersection to Gush Ezion. The checkpoint was active and taxis were being checked. Etzion DCO There were about 15 people and one window open. The police window was open even before 9:00. Maher from the police noticed us and called us with a request. He showed us his part in the local terror war. He gave us the pay slip for the month of September and only in December was he able to get it. (It is supposed to be paid within a month). And there are excuses. He knows that there is criticism leveled against him and he was using this opportunity to show us the difficulties of working as part of a bureaucracy, against the police computers. Bottom line, he wanted to show us that he is simply a small link in a large system; that tries to do its work , and if he must send people back and forth, that is because of the bureaucratic demands. (the unmanned police window, for example). Outside, we heard stories of people who had paid thousands of shekels for old debts , and even so, they are not always successful in getting permits. They tell us that many people paid thousands of shekel for debts that grew over time because of fines and interest and that paying them, they find out that they are still not allowed a permit because they are now on the list of the Shabak. Therefore, many are discouraged and few actually reach the DCO in the hope of getting a permit.