Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Tue 31.5.11, Afternoon
Etzion DCL: on the way, there was slow traffic because of a traffic accident at the North Efrata junction. On the way back, this had developed into a bad traffic jam as the junction had become a checkpoint – perhaps in preparation for Jerusalem Day?
14.30 pm: three cars were waiting outside. The waiting room was empty.
During our time there, a couple of people were admitted for permits. When we asked why the place was so quiet, the soldier at the window told us (politely) that a number of people had come in the morning and had all been received. He said there were currently three people upstairs.
A sad-looking man came out of the station. He explained that he had gone a few times to Beit Safafa to claim wages that his employer there owed him. The last time he went, a week ago, his employer gave him such a blow that he knocked out four lower teeth (which he showed us) and shut the door in his face. The man had just been to the Etzion DCL but they referred him to the Palestinian DCL. We gave him the phone numbers of the Moked and of Kav La-Oved.
16.35 pm, Bethlehem – Checkpoint 300: a steady stream of workers was going home. One soldier was at a post, but he was paying little attention to the passers.