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!
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.
\
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.
It was not easy walking, but an amazing experience
