Bethlehem CP (Israeli side) - 1st Friday of Ramadan
As usual throughout the Ramadan month, no approach to the checkpoint in one’s vehicle is possible. I parked on the way there. There was a long line of buses waiting to deliver people to pray at the Al Aqsa Mosque.
Many soldiers, especially Border Policemen, ask me what I am doing here and know nothing about MachsomWatch. They are ordered around from one site to the other from their ‘assembly areas’ where I am not allowed to stand.
A thin stream of Palestinians of all types and ages cross and hurry to take their places on the bus.
On this side of the checkpoint, things are quiet. There are quite a few children. Only the wind raises a sand storm.
I was sent away from every position I took, from my spot at the checkpoint building, and then from the yard from which the Palestinians exit and from the track demarcated by fences. I stood next to the buses and spoke with people. A child was there with his mother from Bethlehem, very excited to go pray at Al Aqsa.
Three boys were interested in my ID tag which notes our resistance to the occupation and concern for human rights. I explained a bit. One of them says to me with a big smile: “We shall fight and gain our freedom”.
- Violence does not help.
- Sure it does!
- Everyone suffers and loses…
I realize that at his age, in his stead I would probably have spoken like him.
- Are you from Bethlehem?
- No, from Silwan.
- Oh, there’s a real mess there.
- Yes, one big mess…