A "friendly" checkpoint

Students entering Zaytoun Checkpoint

The Zaytoun Checkpoint (called Hazeytim Checkpoint on the Israeli sign), down the steep hill east of the Mount of Olives, is for pedestrians only. Most of the persons crossing it during our spot check today were students.

Previous EAPPI teams said students were sometimes not allowed to go through to school if they did not bring their birth certificate, but were almost always allowed to pass if accompanied by an EA. Lately there have been no problems, and we did not see any today.

Woman and girls entering checkpoint

Greeting exiters

Empty waiting shed

There was a waiting shed across from the checkpoint that was empty because there were no lines. It took me eight minutes to transit the checkpoint, because I dallied a bit at the metal detector picking up dropped coins and trying to make sure I had the right belt. My EA partner was quicker. A Palestinian man confirmed that students have not been having problems, but he said it is hard to get a permit to come into Jerusalem for medical treatment.

Military watch tower next to checkpoint

Although the adjacent tower left no doubt about who is in control here, at least the signs with the rules ended on a courteous note. At the entrance, they said: "We wish you a safe and pleasant transit," and "May you go in peace and return in peace." At the exit, a sign said "Have a safe and pleasant visit."

That is very friendly but I am sure the Palestinians would be happier if the 45-year-old Israeli occupation ended and there were no more daily hassles because of movement restrictions in the name of security.