Abu Dis, Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal), Thu 10.2.11, Morning

Place:

Abu Dis

Ras Abu Sbitan (Olive Terminal)

Observers:

Ora K., Nava A., Michaela R. (reporting)

Feb-10-2011

Morning

6:30 Issawiya East (near the roundabout)

A border-police jeep is parked at the entrance. We are firmly prevented from entering (we had not intended...), and in reply to our argument that Issawiya is within the municipal jurisdiction of Jerusalem, we were given a story of the female officer who had entered, and what had happened to her. We were asked to show documents.

As a matter of fact, we were the only vehicle that aroused any interest. All the rest drove in and out freely.

In conclusion we were asked whether we were proceeding to Jerusalem. ???

6:50 Zeitim Crossing

Many crossing, and passage is fast.

7:30 Wadi Nar

A car was being delayed when we arrived but was released before we descended.

A delegation of three representatives of the security forces strides towards us to send us back. We explain politely who we are and where we stand, and the discussion is concluded.

During our stay, vehicles crossed without checks.

A tractor (with Arabic inscription) was parked near the pillbox. Confiscated?

Location Description

Abu Dis / Lazarus gate (formerly The Wicket)

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Lazarus Checkpoint/Gate (east of the former “wicket”)

Construction of the wall in the Abu Dis area blocked all the gaps that allowed people to cross from al-Ezariya to the neighbourhoods of Abu Dis and Ras al 'Amud that are located within Jerusalem’s municipal boundary. The Lazarus checkpoint is a gate in the wall adjacent to the Lazarus Monastery. Until 2011 it had a door for pilgrims to al-Ezariya and for the monastery’s kindergarten pupils from al-Ezariya. The crossing is currently closed, but the site has infrastructure for conducting inspections.

Ras Abu Sbeitan (Olives Checkpoint)

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A large checkpoint/crossing to the area of a-Tur, Abu Dis and the Old City; only for pedestrians. Located on Jerusalem’s municipal boundary.

One of the major crossings in Jerusalem’s central sector. It is located on the separation fence between the northern portion of the al-Ezariya neighborhood and the neighborhood of a-Tur and the rest of East Jerusalem. It is manned by Border Police soldiers and private security companies and operates 24 hours a day. Palestinians are forbidden to go through, other than permanent residents of East Jerusalem (holders of blue ID cards) and holders of work and commercial permits who are allowed through only on foot.