Bethlehem, Etzion DCL, Wed 14.10.09, Morning

6:50 AM, Bethlehem:  lots of men waiting outside. Inside four checking stations open, lines about 15 people long. Very quiet. Suddenly a computer doesn't work, and the commander immediately transfers the soldier to another checking station. That also doesn't work. Three stations are left for checking, but by 7:05 am everyone has passed. Yes, people are very happy. One man said he arrived at 6:20 am and had passed through by 6:55 am. They are very strict about no private cars standing to wait for riders. Only buses are permitted to stand and wait for passengers.
 

7:55 AM, Etzion DCL:  about 40 men are waiting. A man showed us a letter from his lawyer that stated on August 31st he was now able to pass to Jerusalem after being prohibited for three years. Still each time he tries, he is listed as prohibited. After consultation with H, we tell him that it is the lawyer's responsibility to see that his name is removed from the prohibited list.

Another man was caught illegally in Israel. He was handcuffed and blindfolded for many hours. H will see if he has a legitimate protest.