Bethlehem (300), Tue 29.1.13, Morning

Bethlehem – Checkpoint 300, 6:45 am:  five checking stations open, in each of them there were short lines. Then there are no people entering, afterwards a wave of people enter, but lines no longer than eight to ten people in each line. 

By 7:10everyone has passed. When we entered, many were waiting under the plastic roof that stretches out at the exit because of the rain. A man, perhaps about the age of 70, was standing inside against the wall.  A guard went to the door to tell those standing near the exit door to move. My partner told me she didn't like his tone in speaking to the men. The guard heard her and came to us to explain that it is against the rules for them to stand there at all, and he even let this old man wait inside the building. He was quite argumentative with her. But later when he had the same message for those waiting, he spoke pleasantly and said "b'vakasha" (please) each time. 

One man's permit was not OK. He was directed to inquire and fix the problem at the Matak (office)..