Bethlehem (300)

Share:
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email
Observers: 
Yehudit Elkana, Hana Barag (reporter)
Jul-4-2014
|
Morning

 

Beit Lehem checkpoint, (the Palestinian side) first Friday in Ramadan

As we approached the checkpoint, it was obvious from afar that the place is almost deserted. Buses that came and went quickly during Ramadan in previous years were gone this year. The whole area is closed and deserted and there are almost no people coming and going.

 

The road into the checkpoint was blocked and the Border Police soldier tried to prevent us from entering. We parked despite his protests, and walked towards the checkpoint.

 

Those who came to Rachel's Tomb were probably allowed to approach with their vehicles. The big iron gate, set in the wall, which has always been open, is now closed. We went through the checkpoint and nobody tried to stop us.

 

Inside the checkoint there is almost no traffic. Hebron inhabitants, who have normally been  the majority of the crowd  passing during the holidays, are confined to their homes. The rest of the worshipers were probably reluctant to enter Jerusalem as a result of the harsh events - the murder of the three Jewish boys, the harassments done by the army, and the murder of Muhamad Hadir this week.

 

The parking lot that used to be closed in previous years, and has served as a shaded area for the people, is now open for taxis, but empty of people. At the entrance to the checkpoint there are many soldiers and policemen, but there are no people celebrating. It is sad, very sad!

 

The checkpoint has undergone massive renovations since last year. The women's lane is now paved and shaded. The separation wall between the lanes for men and women is made of stone, and the horrible wire enclosures are gone. They added some gardening. An inexperienced observer, one who does not read between the lines, would get the impression that evferything is reasonable and proper. We heard the voices of despair and fury about which we have reported through the long years of observing checkpoint 300.