Abu Dis, Sheikh Saed, Tue 25.12.07, Afternoon
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Observers:
Chana G., Julia W., Rahel W.
Dec-25-2007
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Afternoon
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We approached Sheikh Said via Talpiot. As we reached the end of the road past Government House and the border police barracks and went around the traffic circle, we noticed that a large track of land was being cleared at the top of Jebel Mukabber. (The traffic circle was placed there some months ago which surprised us at the time because there is virtually no input into the infrastructure of Jebel Mukabber as can be seen by the abysmal condition of the roads and the uncollected garbage which is strewn everywhere). Now, it appears that the traffic circle was a first step in the development of a new area. It would be interesting to know just what is to be built there and for whom.
There were five border police at Sheikh Said -- more than all the people who wanted to pass through during the half hour we were there. A woman (with a blue i.d.) and two little children crossed into Sheikh Said. Two young men from Sheikh Said wanted to pass the other way but were kept waiting for a few minutes while the border guards took turns tormenting a kitten. They were rejected.
Abu Dis
was deserted. There are no changes in the Cliff Hotel. It appears that two new caravans were placed behind the existing house of the Moskowitz settlement. Also, there were two horses opposite the house and some goats in the yard at its side. There was also a new tent in the yard that was not there two weeks ago. A car was parked near the house, but we saw no activity of people.