Among those waiting in line, many are here seeking a Laissez Passer. West Bank and Gaza residents travel abroad today on Palestinian passports issued by the Palestinian Authority. Under the agreements, Israel forbids Jerusalem's Arabs from holding such passports and, since they are not entitled to Israeli ones either, the result is that they have no right to any passport. Most of them, therefore, travel abroad on Israeli Laissez Passer cards, or on Jordanian documents that function as temporary passports. Around 8 A.M., when the ministry offices are scheduled to open, the shouting and shoving increase.
People literally trample each other in an attempt to get to the entrance.
The offices are situated in an old building on Nablus Road, which in the past housed the municipal education department of the Jordanian Jerusalem administration. Israelis coming from the northern neighborhoods of Jerusalem pass here on their way to the Western Wall and Damascus Gate. A Tel Avivian happening across the scene stops to inquire as to the commotion. After being told what is going, on he turns to two of the Israeli Interior Ministry officials, entering the building from a side entrance, and tells them that the scene is a disgrace to Israel. You are right, the two officials tell him.