Bethlehem (300)

7:45 to 9:30

I went earlier than usual on Friday to see if indeed many Palestinian arrive at the checkpoint in the morning and go to work in Israel.

The truth - I did not see a very high number of Palestinians that seemed as if they were on their way to work. Maybe I came too late. Only three windows were open and later only two.

Many older people and people accompanied by children passed. Hardly any lines were formed, no voice raising by soldiers, many Palestinians greeted with “Good Morning” and there weren’t many people who were forced to return to Bethlehem.

The enlightened commander was present and helped people when a problem arose; his spirit dictated the tone.