Sunday, April 21, 2013

First Day in Bethlehem


Monitor Checkpoint 300

The first day in Bethlehem started very early.  Only a very small percent of Palestinian people get ID that allows them to go to Jerusalem.  The workers start their journey to Jerusalem very early because they cannot be sure how long it will take; they want to be sure to get to work on time.  By 4: AM when we arrive the line is often backed up. 

If The Palestinian workers could walk, it would take less than an hour.  However, the soldiers who run the checkpoints hold up the checkpoint line and there are times that it takes more than an hour to get through the checkpoint.  Even if the line remains open, if there is only one of the four metal detectors running, the times are greatly increased. 

Part of my responsibility will be to record how long it takes to pass through, how many pass through each hour during “rush hour” and notify a hot line when the check point stops for no apparent reason.  The flow at these very busy times is 600 plus people every half hour.

The army staffs the metal detectors that everyone has to go through.  The police according to one of the EA’s on team 47 seem to be those who make some of the decisions on certain situations at the checkpoints. 

Friday I found out what the private police do, more about that on Friday’s note.  I am finally getting a chance for some computer time, using Sunday in Jerusalem to write this information about Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 

Not being able to travel freely in their country, not being able to plan their schedules because their time to and from depends on what the occupiers decide is a very frustrating part of how the occupation is being handled.

As checkpoint duty ended, I was introduced to Ray; he is a volunteer from Pennsylvania.  He and his wife are volunteering with Bethlehem Bible College.  He does such things as make runs into Jerusalem for the mail. 
Ray and his wife will be leaving soon, but might come back.  However new rules imposed on those who are helping Palestinians will limit him to life only in the West Bank, no more going to Jerusalem to pick up the college’s mail.  This American like the Palestinians would not be able to visit the Holy Sites in Jerusalem.  If fact if he became ill, he would need to obtain a special permit to go into the hospital in Jerusalem.

Walk to Manger Square

Team 48 did some bonding and we walked to Manger Square.  Pictured here standing in front of the Church of the Nativity.

We had lunch on the square at Afteem Restaurant.  The poster tells the story of Mr. Saliba Salamelt.  In 1948 during the takeover over 800,000 Palestinians were forced from their home.  Several went to neighboring countries but some, like this man were displaced, from their home cities, but were able to stay in Palestine.  Mr. Salamelt started a small bakery and named it after his eldest son

We had lunch on the square at Afteem Restaurant.  The poster tells the story of Mr. Saliba Salamelt.  In 1948 during the takeover over 800,000 Palestinians were forced from their home.  Several went to neighboring countries but some, like this man were displaced, from their home cities, but were able to stay in Palestine.  Mr. Salamelt started a small bakery and named it after his eldest son




Afteem.  It is now a very good restaurant on Manger Square.




The frying is done outside.  George, on the right, is the grandson of Afteem.








We had a wonderful meal, many traditional types of food.  I will update you with the names of the various dishes in the photo, but not now because there is just too much to learn!  They were all delicious.



Monitor School Dismissal

Being a protective presence at schools is a huge part of what we do.  The United Nations has a special program just starting now, Access to Education. 

At the times the children leave school, the military always shows up so that the children must pass them on their way home.  This area is very near a settlement.  I will send more information about the background and issues of Settlements another time.  EAPPI talks with military explaining the purpose of our presence.


It was so fun to see the students and I had a wonderful conversation with some of their teachers as they waited for their transportation home.  

The students in very clear English asked, “What is your name.”  We interacted with many children, what a joy! 



























It was sad to see them have to cross and walk along such a busy road.


Shortly after the students came out of school, a problem started from across the street.  A tire started burning in a field across from the school. 





I for one was very glad to see the last of the children getting into their very crowded transportation.



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Our official presence assignment was now over. 









Meanwhile across the street, we more military arrive.  The decision was made to leave.  Because we had another appointment, to visit Battir, did not stay.  It did appear that an incident was about to erupt.


 

 

 

 

Battir

We visited Battir a village in our Bethlehem area.  They face many problems and I will update you later, because I have decided to take one of my days off as soon as the guesthouse is opened.  We spent three hours hiking around this area.  The natural spring has been running providing water for the farmers in this area.  The guide told us much of the amazing history of this area and the current rebuilding going on even in spite of the many restrictions imposed.



The Palestinian people have cleared debris of years and in this photo a recent landslide.  Notice the lemon tree.




This village was on a rail line and was considered the vegetable basket Jerusalem until 1948 when Palestinians were no longer allowed to ride the train.  The story of the train and its involvement in the history of the village has many chapters for another note.












There is a lot of water from the local spring with ancient ways of getting it to their land.  Including ancient ways, some evidence of roman aqueduct ruins.  



I drank where the Romans drank.

















We walked through this area for about three hours through all kinds of agriculture.




The farmers are allowed to use the water for their crops; five percent is used for their crops.  The other 95 percent goes to Israel.  The local Palestinians are required buy back the water for their personal use.











It was not easy walking, but an amazing experience







Please pray for a just peace in Israel and Palestine.