May 30, 2002

Bethlehem Checkpoint

[Bethlehem, Palestine] I assume Bethlehem is still under curfew, but I'm in Jerusalem, having taken advantage of the momentary curfew break. There were a few others crossing the checkpoint when I did, some cars and a few walkers, but the soldiers were really taking their time. Three of the ten people in front of me were turned back and not allowed to cross for one reason or another.

On the Jerusalem side, I saw a lot of sleeping Israeli soldiers. Everyone seemed really tired. Conducting house-to-house searches at all hours of the day and night does take a lot out of you, I guess.

Bethlehem Checkpoint, Heading toward Jerusalem

Towels draped the back of this APC on the Jerusalem side of the Bethlehem Checkpoint

Netting hangs behind APCs. Soldiers slept beneath it.