Bethlehem

Bethlehem, El Khader, DCL EzyonSunday, January 1, 2006 AMObservers: Sylvia P, Ofra B, Chana A (reporting)7:00 Rachel Crossing: We are not even allowed to pass the guard's post. She immediately calls for Yoav, he comes and has harsh words for us. No entry anywhere. MachsomWatch is the biggest threat to security in the area!7:30 El Khader: Less than the usual hustle and bustle. After all, it's New Year's, and the schools are closed (the Muslim ones too). We have a lot of petitioners, however, and are busy writing and interviewing for more than an hour. We hear from one worker who has been sent back from his already tortuous road through Bethlehem, Wadi Nar etc. that there is a general closure. He has a magnetic card, a work permit, and all up to date. 9:00 Ezyon DCO: Very few people, but during the two hours there, the crowd gets bigger and we have a few petitioners. A few people come up to us telling us they have received their magnetic card thanks to us. One of the Nahalin local council has received his without our help, but wants us to help his son-in-law to get one. Lots of stories to tell, but the tenor of all of them is: work, work, work. Without that, no one can live. One young man has a hospital appointment in Mukassad in a few days but is unable to get a permit. We sent him to Yael S.