Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Sun 12.9.10, Afternoon

15:00-17:00 pm, Etzion DCL: today was a problematic shift, so we spent it all at the DCL, trying to follow the developments until it closed down.

Several dozens of people were in the waiting area, some claiming to have been there since 1pm.  Others claiming it is their third attempt to get service.

During the first hour we were there, not a soul was admitted. But those coming out told of a single operating window, and very very slow going, with the soldier in and out erratically.

The woman soldier at the window did not deign to raise her head and answer us. So we had to call the officers in charge. One was at home, the other was around, their promises to us were not coordinated with each other, and meanwhile we, too, were frustrated, joining the frustrated crowd around us. All, by the way, were waiting for magnetic cards, whether renewals or new issuances. Our primary plea was:  please explain to the waiters periodically why the wait is so long, and if there is no chance of seeing them all, please tell them and allow them to go home.

A woman complained that she has 3 kids waiting at home. It is her third time there. Another man asked for help in getting a visa to visit Israel, he lives abroad.  We explained that this was beyond our possibilities, and probably not  matter for the DCL altogether.  A young Jewish woman who is married to an Arab came to get a permit for her husband to accompany her to fertility treatments in Israel. They reside together in the PA, as he cannot live with her in Israel, and she said the DCL commanders know her personally by now and help her out.  She was hoping for the same today, after having been turned down by the soldier at the window.

At 4:15 the carousel finally turned, and about 20 people -- half the waiters -- were let in. The speed picked up, too, and they emerged quickly enough, with the document they wanted.  We were promised that all there would be serviced that day.  But when closing time arrived, about 15 people were still waiting.  The possibility of keeping the DCL open another 30 minutes is not an option, apparently.  Most places service all those who came on time, not just all those who were let in on time. This -  although the soldiers have many days off during this holiday season.  But the commander promised that all who arrive the following day, irrespective of where they live, will have priority.  We made a list, delivered it to the sour-faced soldiers who locked up the DCL, and left.

On Monday, we got a morning call from a woman who came at 8, and was through before 9am.  She reported that at 8:30 the loudspeaker summoned all persons on yesterday's list to enter, and service was quick.  Another call arrived at 4:30pm.  Those from the list who came late were not as fortunate (though the promise had not been conditioned on time of arrival).  They were shooed away rudely (they said).

Promises, promises.