The Olive Tree Movement

The inhabitants of the villages Beit Furiq (about 15,000) and Beit Dajan (about 5,000) suffer restrictions and special prohibitions. At Beit Furiq Checkpoint – located between Nablus and Beit Furiq – the Israeli army allows only the residents themselves passage to the two places, while other Palestinians are prevented, including immediate family members. The army has committed itself in the Supreme Court to keep the checkpoint open 24 hours a day and allow a normal fabric of life. But in actual fact, this checkpoint is usually closed after 8 or 9 p.m.

On April 20, 2007 a woman from Salem village married in Beit Furiq. The bride's parents and other relatives were not allowed to attend the wedding in Beit Furiq.

A few months ago, a woman in labor reached Beit Furiq checkpoint at 2 a.m. The driver hooted and yelled to the soldiers to please open the barrier. Only 20 minutes later, when the birth had already begun, the driver risked opening it himself and continued with her to a Nablus hospital.

A Nablus physician operated a clinic in Beit Furiq. Once a week he would drive out to the village to treat patients there. Because he is a Nablus resident, the soldiers have been preventing him from passing. After several such failed attempts, the doctor has closed his clinic.

questions: amosg@shefayim.org.il