בית לחם (300), מת"ק עציון

Bethlehem Checkpoint, Etzion 9/11/2014

Hannah A. Ronit D. (reporting), Translation: Naomi Gal

Bethlehem Checkpoint

06:30 - Outside there are many people and cars, as usual. Inside 7 windows are open. In 2 of them soldiers/security guards are standing outside and passing people over the age of 40, without a computer check, which speeds up the passage. Occasionally they hold someone and check his ID number on the radio. Mostly those delayed were allowed to pass. The hall is packed, but the passage flows. A policeman is present and he helps the soldiers and people who turn to him. He speaks Arabic and explains to those restricted from passing what they can do.

I stood at the entrance and talked with an ecumenical from Canada who was ordered not to stand in the hall. He said that there was pressure on the other side. It took him over 50 minutes to pass. He talks about the deep impression Hannah Bar”g’s lecture left on him and his friends.

At one point A. our acquaintance arrives. Long time no see. On previous occasions he arrived late because of the pressure and had no time to look for us. This time he says there was less pressure and greets us with: “Have a good week”.

Later a few more ecumenical arrived. Recently new volunteers came over and they wanted to see how the CP operates in the morning. Women who pass complain that they did not open the Humanitarian Gate and they had to squeeze in line with men.

After seven it was quite empty and some of the windows closed.

07:20 - We left

Etzion DCL

We arrived early before opening and helped a few people we met in the parking lot. For those who had the appropriate documents we wrote applications for removal of restrictions and they went in to submit them. To others we explained which documents are required and we referred to Haya those who are police restricted.

As usual, most people come to obtain a magnetic card. Work starts on Sundays only at 12: 00. In the meantime they take a number from the machine and wait. They enter according to a list they prepared in advance. One of them reads the names and lets in a few people who take numbers. At one point there were shouts, apparently fights over the queue, but then they calmed down.

We left relatively early around 08: 45.