Bethlehem, Fri 11.4.08, Morning

Bethlehem Checkpoint 
 

9:05- An elder man stopped us even before we entered the building, he told us that one of the soldiers was rude to him. He was very upset about it, he was offended by the humiliating treatment he received.  

Two posts were open, the lines were short, but from time to time on one was in line. It was obvious that most of those passing to Jerusalem had permits for the orthodox Easter. Many parents passed with their children  and also tourists.  

A young man told us that about a week before three busses full of passengers arrived at the other side of the cp, but there were no posts open and they had no one to turn to.  

Two detainees were sent back to Bethlehem. We didn't know why or for how long they had been detained.  

A large group of tourists from Poland passed from Bethlehem to Jerusalem.  

An elder woman who lives by the wall told us she has lands and olive trees in her territory which is between Tantur and the wall. The army won't allow her family to work part of the land. She was on her way with a group of women heading to the north.  

9:50 – We left.