Welcome to Kalandya Checkpoint - Friday, 26 August 2011

Kalandya Checkpoint which determines which Palestinians from the West Bank north of Jerusalem can actually enter East Jerusalem...which is a 'special part' of Palestine requiring permits to enter...has been notorious for all sorts of restrictions, permit denials, abusive behaviors from the soldiers and military police, and general malaise. Last Friday was an important day on the Ramadan fasting calendar:  it was the last Friday of the fast for Muslims to visit the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem, as well as being the Muslim feast of Laylat al Qadr when the prophet Mohammed received angel Gabriel and the first words for the Koran directly from God. The military police and Israeli Defense Force came out full-force, expecting protest demonstrations, possible riots, and general civil disturbances....that never happened. As men over 50 years, and women over 45 years, and children under 12 years, requiring only their ID and not permits, quietly passed through the entrance of the checkpoint, a military police platoon of 25 highly armed souls stood ground, trying to look important. They buzzed messages and strategized, pulled all sorts of crowd control equipment, and showed discomforts with their guns slung and swaying over shoulders and chests. Some 23,000 people passed successfully and during the early hours of 6 - 10:30am.  Here's what I witnessed:

Who was watching whom here? Police making their plans.

Tear gas man ready...as older men file by....

Guns pointing...as older men hobble in....

A water steam blower to 'cool' the crowds?

During the fast, people are not suppose to wet their lips, drink, or eat. This steam blower (is it really necessary?) accomplished little other than to irritate those committed to their fast by enticing a desire to lick the moisture on their mouths.