Hagit B. (reporter and photographer) and Mohammad, the driver. Translation Danah E.
Jan-24-2022
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Morning
Hebron, Givat HaMevasser
Photo:
Hagit Back
Hill 22 near Kiryat Arba and near Hebron, is called Givat HaMevasser by the settlers. Here one can see the signs of the well-known method: sending arms of occupation in the form of distant Jewish neighborhoods: a tower, checkpoints, abandoned caravans, and most importantly a seizure of land on which there is a debate as to who it belongs to. Of course - the very fact that they are there will require IDF protection. Groups of settlers come up here from time to time to make a bonfire, and so it was yesterday. Someone told us and we came to see. The entrance to the hill is from Highway 60 through the square of Beit Anun. The road passes through a Palestinian neighborhood that has a kiosk with excellent falafel.
Hebron, the route of the worshipers
Photo:
Hagit Back
This is what the soldiers’ post looks like (through a rainy window) guarding the traffic axis of the worshipers. Crowds of settlers rush along this axis (connecting Kiryat Arba to the Cave of the Patriarchs) towards the Cave of the Patriarchs. Most of the Palestinian residents who lived between the two sides of the axis left their homes due to harassment by the settlers. The IDF has three guard posts along the axis. And are staffed 24/7. Not a living soul passes today in this cold spell.
Hebron, checkpoint at bend 160
Photo:
Hagit Back
The checkpoint at bend 160: The Christian Friendship Fund distributes sweets to soldiers at this guard post
Hebron, another guard post
Photo:
Hagit Back
The Christian Friendship Foundation also distributes sweets at the guard post in the entrance to the Avraham Avinu neighborhood. Palestinians are not allowed to pass through this part of the city.
Hebron, unmanned guard post
Photo:
Hagit Back
An unmanned checkpoint in the Kapisha neighborhood (end of the Zion axis, which begins at the 160 bend) and therefore there are no phenomena like friction with soldiers on a daily basis. It sits on a major thoroughfare to the neighborhood but Palestinian cars are not allowed to pass through it. My heart was broken today at the sight of a young mother with a three-day-old baby, who came out crying from the car to continue her journey on foot. Her mother supported her. So cold and wet. I said Mabruk and Mazal Tov on the baby and wiped the raindrops from my glasses and tears from my eyes.
