While security remains high in the capital due to the frequency of terror attacks, it remains relatively easy for Arabs to get over the cement border wall to Jerusalem if they wish. Numerous methods are used to get into the capital, including inside boxes, in the tank of a cement mixer or simply via a break in the divider wall. At times, albeit less frequently, even by bribing soldiers manning the wall and its checkpoints. According to a MyNet report, this smuggling industry rolls over NIS millions annually for those involved. It has been over a decade since construction of the security wall began and PA (Palestinian Authority) residents continue to enter Jerusalem illegally on a regular basis.

Jerusalem has served as a target or interim stop for thousands of PA residents crossing the Green Line illegally, most seeking employment. However, among them are hundreds of illegals who operate a well-oiled smuggling network for profit, assisting others in crossing if they are willing to pay.

In some areas of the eastern capital the wall remains incomplete, but walking from areas in Yehuda and Shomron via these areas can take hours and they carry high risk of being detected. This seems to have given birth to the smuggling industry, permitting many to cross at night – at times using ladders and ropes or during the day, via checkpoints but hidden or even in broad daylight if one is willing to try bribing authorities.

MyNet reports at times, some drivers will try bribing border police to the tune of NIS tens of thousands for not checking a vehicle crossing a checkpoint. In some cases, the courts have imprisoned both the driver and border police for the joint bribery venture. At times PA residents are also hidden in cartons in a truck carrying cargo and there are documented cases of illegals hiding in the mixer of a cement truck or the tank of a fuel tanker.

In some areas where there is break in the barbed wire Palestinians enlarge the hole and then man the position, demanding money from anyone and anyone wishing to cross into Green Line Israel. One driver explains that on Shabbos and Sunday he would pick up 15-20 and bring them to a location where it is relatively easy for them to make it across, undetected by security forces manning the barrier. The driver would then cross, wait for them on the other side and then drive them to their place of employment.

Placing a ladder or rope to scale the wall will generally run NIS 50 a person. Being driven into Green Line Israel may cost NIS hundreds, depending on the length of the ride. It is less expensive to get a ride once across the barrier however rates increase again in the Tel Aviv area.

Generally, a ride from the Jerusalem side of the barrier to a place of work inside the Jerusalem area is NIS 350. This is very risky and for those who can afford it, they will pay for an escort vehicle which drives ahead to determine if the way is clear of security inspections. This can increase the price from NINS 350 to anywhere between NIS 500-800 per person – generally depending on how many passengers are on board. The economy in the PA is weak, there is little work and it does not pay as well as working inside Green Line Israel. One who finds work will try not to return home more than once every number of weeks. A construction laborer in PA areas can earn NIS 50-70 daily but inside Green Line Israel he will earn NIS 200 for the same work.

While officials may persuade us the dividing wall is in place and doing its job, in reality, the illegal border crossings are daily and regular occurrences as thousands of PA illegals continue crossing the Green Line seeking work, willing to pay and to take the risk of being apprehended.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)