Everyone gets slightly tense as a soldier waves to stop the van. As soldiers rudely open the door, I always pray that no one will get caught. Jerusalem has been a center of Palestinian social, economic, cultural and spiritual life for centuries. No matter how many roadblocks are built they will never be able to cut the ties between the city and the people. The Palestinians will still need to work, go to school, visit family members, get hospitalized, pray in mosques and churches, and attend weddings and funerals in Jerusalem.
Many people enter the city without a permit, by taking a risk of detention.
Soldiers look in, glare at everyone, and then ask for the passengers' ID cards. Some soldiers would glare at everyone, then order only young men to present their ID or to step outside the van. Many IDF soldiers treat Palestinians with little respect. It is especially unpleasant when they question elderly people in a condescending manner. Everyone keeps silence while the van is inspected by these eighteen-year old boys, with their guns reminding us where the power is.