April 12, 2002

Back to Jerusalem

[East Jerusalem, Palestine] I returned to East Jerusalem last night with a new three-month visa. It was good to get back. Although I was out of the country, my thoughts did not leave this area. How could they? With hundreds being killed in Jenin, with virtually the entire West Bank under curfew, with Bethlehem still under siege, and with so much suffering and devastation, how would it be possible to think of other things?

My friends and neighbors gave me updates from Bethlehem. It is possible to get into certain parts of the town, but it is still impossible for me to return to my home. My landlord's family told me that the Israeli soldiers entered our compound and my building today. Eight to ten soldiers went into almost every room. They grabbed one of the Palestinian male residents and used him as a shield to enter each new room. They also hit him in the stomach with their gun butts several times. The soldiers were mainly looking for guns, but people in our compound do not have any. That did not stop the soldiers from throwing a computer against a wall and breaking down doors. Fortunately, my apartment was spared -- the soldiers showed no interest in it -- but most apartments were searched.

My landlord also told me that about 100 neighbors have been put into trucks and taken away. Their whereabouts is unknown. There were many explosions and fires around Manger Square and the Church of the Nativity today. Residents told me that they saw thick plumes of black smoke rising from the area, although they are unsure what is burning so strongly.

A blimp has now taken position over the church of the Nativity. I think it must house a camera of some sort. I first saw it over Jerusalem a few weeks ago, but now the soldiers must be using it to monitor Nativity Church and Manger Square. I suppose it's better than that drone plane that used to fly over the area. At least a blimp doesn't make as much noise.

Unlike its West Bank neighbors, East Jerusalem is not under curfew. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for those who are. It is possible for me to come and go as I please. This make about two weeks of confinement. It must be terrible to be under fire and deprived of food, water, sunshine and freedom.

Photo AP/Peter Dejong: Bombing of Bethlehem Market