Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Sun 23.11.08, Morning
6:20 AM, Bethlehem Checkpoint: quite a few people outside, inside quite empty, on the "invisible" side about 1000 waiting to get through. Some people report waiting two hours, some one,some less, it's hard to know. The Ecumenical lady we speak to tells us about the appr. 1000 outside. Not having been here for three weeks, there are some changes: the electronic handprint detectors are now placed next to the window at the corner of the booth, no more turning one's back to the soldier inside and every booth has a handprint detector. No choice but to go through. Some, but not many, are turned back because of faulty handprint. Altogether the passing is slow, and at around 7:30 when we leave, there are still hundreds on the other side.
8:00 AM, Etzion DCL: about 100 people are already gathered behind the barricade outside. Numbers are distributed. Inside the procedure is slow. Only one window seems to be open. The police come later. Many young men come to ask for our help and we get new clients. Go to Alon Shvut to pay registration fees for land (not sure exactly but not fines).