Bethlehem checkpoint: shame overtakes us

On Sundays, traffic at the checkpoint is particularly alert. The workers return from the weekend leave. Quite a few carry heavy bags, which indicates that they will probably not return home until the following weekend. Already on the way to the checkpoint we saw a long convoy of workers and at the checkpoint itself a continuous stream of passers-by. The "smooth" transition - no one is stopped or delayed. "How wonderful" - what a distorted picture. Those who handle the occupation manage to hide the truth well with the help of the permit regime. Everyone passes - but those who cannot can only be seen behind the scenes and the average Israeli is not interested "behind the scenes". In this way the occupation can continue to abuse the occupied Palestinians for 70 years. The story of the war in Ukraine only proves that far from the eye is also far from the heart. No sanction has ever been imposed on anyone for the ongoing abuse of Palestinians!

One man stopped to talk - he is from Gaza but probably now lives in Bethlehem. We did not ask enough questions, perhaps out of astonishment. Are we also used to the occupation? Were they able to wash our brains too? Why we were amazed that a man from Gaza lives in Bethlehem - that's how it is in the normal world. A person chooses where he will live and where he will change his place of residence.

Every time we are at the checkpoint and look at the walls decorated with posters of the Ministry of Tourism the shame overtakes us. After all, the Palestinians who pass by cannot visit the lovely corners displayed on the walls! The thought that comes up is "up yours" - and our blood boils