Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Thu 18.3.10, Afternoon

Etzion DCL: the billboards in the waiting hall were full of notices on land confiscation, all in Hebrew. No translations into Arabic. Two elderly people came in, seeking information on the confiscations.They complained that they could not read the Hebrew. They were allowed into theoffices where they were told that there was no one there who could answer theirqueries. We attempted to phone and clarify matters but were unsuccessful.

A Palestinian approached us with his problem: since his house sits on a slope near the main road, he constructed a high protective wall to safeguard his home from road accidents. A military vehicle whose driver apparently fell asleep crashed into his wall. The four passenger soldiers were saved. The wall was ruined, his house was hit, a waterpipe burst, flooding his home and causing heavy damage. He photographed the destruction, had it confirmed by an engineer who assessed repairs at 9000 NIS. He applied to the DCL to receive compensation. Danny of the DCL admitted that the wall had saved the soldiers but denied the responsibility of the DCL and referred him to the police. The police advised him to hire a lawyer and an engineer, suggesting that this would be a lengthy procedure. He complained bitterly that the authorities, instead of being grateful and awarding him with a fair compensation, were now sending him off with tiresome demands and expenses.

A youth told us that his mother was at 'Hadassah Ein Kerem' in a serious condition following head-surgery. He applied for a permit in order to nurse her but was refused – a Shabak refusal. Danny promised to support the request as the mother was in grave condition.