Bethlehem (300), Fri 13.7.12, Morning

- Checkpoint 300:  Bethlehem

Summary:  One police commander and hundreds cross quickly – perhaps the first sign of preparations for Ramadan?

Three booths open, long lines, Palestinians who’ve already crossed wait for their loved ones at the checkpoint, pressure, background noise of cars from the Palestinian side of the checkpoint.

After about 20 minutes the lines are gone:  they must have “stopped the flow.”  One of the ecumenical volunteers says it took her half an hour to cross because Palestinian women took her along with them, through the women’s lane.  She thinks the men’s lane will take twice as long.

Much activity by soldiers and security guards on the overhead bridge; it’s not clear what’s happening on the other side but suddenly the “savior” arrives – a modest police commander, polite and energetic, who says quietly:

“It’s unacceptable to stop admitting people, and certainly not on Friday.  Open a third fenced corridor; I’ll stand here at the gate and let people through.”

And so it was:  they announced that three fenced corridors are open.

Three booths continued to operate on the Jerusalem side, and in addition the gate between two booths opened and the police commander and an MP officer stood there, beginning to direct traffic, encouraging the Palestinians to use an available booth, indicating to the elderly and to women to use the open gate, the officer glancing at the permits and letting people through.  It was obvious his goal was to eliminate the congestion as quickly as possible.  At least 300 Palestinians went through in 20 minutes, most with broad smiles, some sheepishly, some not daring to believe they’ll cross with no further delays.

An hour later, when dozens of people again stood in front of the soldiers at the booths, the police commander returned and again let many Palestinians through the gate between the booths, quickly and affably.

The month of Ramadan begins next Friday.  These may be the preliminary preparations.  Let’s hope this atmosphere of respect and desire to speed up the crossing will prevail at all the checkpoints, at least during the coming month!