Abu-Dis

Watchers: Ch.A., H.B. (reporting), a
crew from the “Arte” [TV] network.

We arrived at Abu Dis at 6:45 AM. Two Border Police officers were
standing beside the gas station, holding tear gas grenades in their
hands. Traffic on the other side of the fence was sparse but
steady. The Border Police didn’t interfere, and we didn’t see any
delays.

We crossed the concrete barriers with relative ease, and traveled
to the “containers” checkpoint.

Already from a distance, we observed a long queue of cars on their
way to Jerusalem. At the checkpoint itself there were about 70
detainees – men only, on their way to work.

The commander of the checkpoint, Eran, immediately attempted to
turn us away and to prevent us “from talking with his detainees.”
Of course, the presence of the photographer aroused a lot of
opposition: “Photographing is prohibited,” “This is a closed
military area,” and so on.

We phoned Raj Ali, who complained that he’s getting bothered every
day even when he’s not on the job and at home, but he promised to
arrive within 20 minutes. We tried our luck with Danda (is this his
name?) too, who gave us the usual educational lecture and didn’t
show any inclination to act.

Raj Ali did arrive, and within a few minutes all the detainees were
released. The cars passed at a pretty fast pace, and the people who
were released, thanked us warmly.

Upon our return to Abu Dis we discovered that some of the concrete
barriers had been moved in order to repair a roadside ditch. When
we tried to pass by there, we encountered the Border Police
officers we’d already seen when we’d first arrived, who prevented
us from crossing at that spot. “If they’re not allowed, you’re not
allowed either.” We went back the way we came and climbed over the
wall.

It’s worth mentioning here, and for all of us to note: The Border
Police officers were going around with gas grenades at the ready
the entire time. This is something we haven’t seen at other
checkpoints. Why here in particular?