Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Sun 2.5.10, Afternoon
15:15 pm, Etzion DCL: few cars were parked outside, not a person inside. A young man standing outside tells us that he has been waiting since 11am to speak to "the captain" from the GSS, to find out why he is GSS-denied. He has a valid magnetic card, and used to have a work permit till 2006. He then quit voluntarily, to teach in Bethlehem, but now wants to work in an Israeli supermarket, where he will be paid much more than as a teacher in the PA! He has a willing employer -- but no permit. He gave his ID to the DCL soldier in the morning, and doesn't want to leave without it.
"Lucky guy" -- by 4:15 pm he had his ID back, and a GSS appointment for Thursday.
"If they condition my permit by collaboration,I will not agree", he stated adamantly. "I will collaborate with neither side!" Let's wish him the best.
Meanwhile other arrivals were admitted at once.
16:15 pm, Bethlehem – Checkpoint 300: more people exiting the Checkpoint than entering it. Passage is swift and smooth.