Information for Travelers

2005 Crime and Safety Report

2005 Crime and Safety Report for Jerusalem and the West Bank

1. Overall Crime and Safety Situation

In its revised Travel Warning dated June 20, 2005, the Department of State urges US citizens to carefully weigh the necessity of their travel to Jerusalem and Israel in light of the risks noted below. The Department also urges US citizens to defer unnecessary travel to the West Bank and avoid all travel to Gaza. Terrorist attacks have declined in both frequency and associated casualties. However, the potential for further violence remains high. Resentment against efforts to promote peace, and ongoing Israeli military operations in the West Bank/Gaza, could incite further violence in the region. Israeli security services report that they are investigating between 40 and 60 planned terrorist attacks at any given time. The February 25 suicide bombing of a Tel Aviv nightclub is a reminder of the precarious security environment, even when a cease-fire has been declared.

Any American Citizen who intends to travel to Jerusalem or the West Bank in spite of this and prior warnings should carefully review our Consular Information Sheet at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1064.html. It describes other potential dangers and difficulties and offers detailed security recommendations. Palestinian-Americans face many additional obstacles and regulations that are described in that document.

2. Political Violence

Violence since the beginning of the present intifada (Palestinian uprising) in September 2000 has caused thousands of civilian casualties. More than 40 Americans, including tourists, students and residents, have died as a result of having been present at the places and times of terrorist attacks. The potential for further violence remains high. In addition, ongoing efforts by Palestinian militants to commit acts of terrorism against Israelis, operations by Israel forces in the West Bank/Gaza, and targeted strikes against Palestinian militant leaders by Israel could incite new levels of violence. The US Government has received information indicating that American interests within Israel could be the focus of terrorist attacks. For that reason, American citizens are cautioned that a greater danger may exist in the vicinity of restaurants, businesses, and other places associated with US interests and/or located near official buildings, such as the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem or the US Embassy in Tel Aviv.

Throughout Jerusalem, the State Department urges American citizens to remain vigilant while traveling, especially within the commercial and downtown areas of West Jerusalem. Israeli security services report that they continue to receive information of planned terrorist attacks around Jerusalem. In addition, American citizens should stay away from demonstrations and generally avoid crowded public places, such as restaurants and cafes, shopping and market areas and malls, pedestrian zones, public transportation of all kinds, including buses and trains and their respective stations/terminals, and the areas around them. Spontaneous or planned protests within Jerusalem's Old City are possible, especially after Friday prayers. Some of these protests have led to violent clashes. American employees of the U.S. Consulate General and Embassy are prohibited from using all public transportation. The Old City is also off-limits to them after dark all week and between the hours of 11:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. on Fridays.

3. Country Specific Concerns

All travelers who enter or travel in the West Bank should exercise particular care when approaching and traveling through checkpoints and should expect delays and difficulties. Travelers should also be aware they might not be allowed passage through checkpoints. In September and October 2004 and February 2005, citizens of Western nations, including Americans, involved in pro-Palestinian volunteer efforts were assaulted and injured in the West Bank by Israeli settlers and harassed by Israeli military personnel. Those taking part in demonstrations, non-violent resistance, and “direct action”, are advised to cease such activity for their own safety.

For official operational needs only, US Government personnel are permitted to travel to and stop in cities and towns in the West Bank, depending on prevailing security conditions. For limited, personal travel during daylight hours, U.S. government personnel and family members are permitted to transit the West Bank on primary roads to reach the Allenby/King Hussein bridge and the Dead Sea coast, north of Ein Gedi and Masada, in the south. For safety and security reasons all cities, towns and settlements in the West Bank, including Jericho and Bethlehem, remain strictly off-limits for personal travel by US government personnel and family members. US government personnel and family members are also permitted to use Route 443 between Modi'in and Jerusalem for daylight travel only.

Americans who remain in Jerusalem or the West Bank are strongly encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the US Consulate General in Jerusalem through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/. U.S. citizens who require emergency services may telephone the Consulate General in Jerusalem at +972 2 622-7250. However, periodically the Consulate General may temporarily suspend public services to review its security posture. As a consequence of the current limitations on official travel to the West Bank, the ability of consular staff to offer timely assistance to US citizens in this area is considerably reduced.

Current information on travel and security in Jerusalem and the West Bank may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. U.S. citizens should consult the Consular Information Sheet for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza; the Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement; and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement at the Department’s Internet website at http://travel.state.gov/. Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be accessed at http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/.

4. Police Response

The quality of police response and assistance varies widely. If you are a victim of theft, burglary or other offense, make sure you act as follows:

-- Immediately notify the police, even if the amount stolen was not significant. It may be a good idea to contact a relative or neighbor for help with submitting a complaint to the police, completing appropriate forms, etc.

-- Try to give the police full details about the stolen property. You can use a list of property and description of articles you made in advance. Keep a copy of the list for your contacts with the insurance company. Make a note of the investigation file number and the name of the investigator dealing with your case, for later inquiries or for providing additional information.

-- For emergencies, have a telephone installed next to your bed so that you can use it at night if necessary. Keep a list of emergency telephone numbers next to the telephone.

-- You can also install distress systems at your home. These are systems for calling for help in an emergency. They can be integrated with the alarm system for house entrances. The call systems enhance your domestic safety and allow you to receive help within a few minutes.

-- Information about joining a distress call center can be obtained at community institutions in your area of residence, or at companies that market such systems. You should obtain and compare several price proposals with full details.

If a stranger enters your home or apartment do the following:

-- Press the distress button (if you have one).
-- Call the police. In Israel and Jerusalem, the nationwide emergency number is 100.
-- Turn a light on and call for help as loudly as possible.
-- Go into a room and, if possible, lock it from the inside.
-- Do not confront the intruder, if possible.

5. Medical Emergencies

If you are injured or need emergency medical care in Jerusalem, dial 101. This is the nationwide emergency number for the ambulance service operated by the Magen David Adom (Red Star of David) society. In the West Bank, you can contact the Palestine Red Crescent Society's ambulance service by dialing 101 or (02) 240-0666. Modern medical care and medicines are available in Jerusalem. However, some hospitals in Jerusalem, and most hospitals in the West Bank, rate below US standards. Travelers can find information in English about emergency medical facilities and after-hours pharmacies in the English-language "Jerusalem Post" and "Ha'aretz" newspapers. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the brochure "Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad," available online at http://travel.state.gov or autofax: (202) 647-3000.

6. Crime Prevention

The crime rate in Jerusalem and the West Bank is moderate. There are several rules that you can apply in order to feel safer. Most of the means and methods of securing your home and property do not require great effort or investment. The following advice and suggestions are ideas on crime protection and prevention for the general public. Although property loss or damage by an offender cannot be totally prevented, these suggestions are designed to help reduce the chance of damage being caused to your property by offenders. You should try to find the greatest number of ways to reduce harm to yourself and your property, according to the type, location and value of the property.

A. It is worthwhile knowing that most crimes are committed against property and not against people, and not all crimes are well planned. Most criminal acts are committed by young people who are looking for an easy and readily available opportunity to carry them out. An unlocked door or open window invites thieves.

-- Always ensure that the doors to the residence are shut and locked even when you are home, and certainly when you leave the house, even just for a few minutes.

-- The entry door should be strong (from steel or solid wood), with a significant lock, security chain and peephole.

-- Make sure that the entrance to the house or apartment and staircase is lit in the dark, and that the light can be operated from inside the house.

-- It is recommended that you install bars or security hooks or locks on all shutters and the balcony door. Ensure that the openings are firmly shut every night or before you leave the house.

B. Do not keep large sums of cash and valuable jewelry in the house. A bank safe may be rented for this purpose.

-- Jewelry used on a daily basis should be kept in a concealed place in the house, not in a clothing wardrobe or bedside cabinet. A small safe can be purchased which can be installed in a concealed place in the wall or floor of a room. The place where the safe is installed should be easily accessible to you.

-- Make a list of the valuables you have at home: appliances, electronic or optical equipment (cameras, telescope etc.), jewelry, silver, etc. Write down a description of the articles, including serial numbers of electronic and optical equipment. Keep the list in a safe place, or together with the apartment insurance policy at your insurance agent's office or insurance company.

-- Do not leave wallets, keys, bags, or jewelry in a prominent place near the entrance. Place them in a concealed and safe place.

C. There are criminals who try to exploit your trust in order to gain entry to your house easily, by posing as technicians or craftsmen. In order to avoid these situations use the following rules:

-- Do not open the door without looking through the peephole.

-- You should install a switch inside the apartment so that you can turn on the light in the staircase or entrance to see who is at the door.

-- Ascertain the identity of visitors from a company, organization, etc. (via the peephole in the door) before you let them into your home. Ask to see an id and examine it carefully before opening the door, while the security chain is still connected and prevents the door from being opened fully.

-- If you do not recognize the visitor, do not admit him/her.

-- If a stranger asks to use your telephone, and you are prepared to help him, suggest calling for him while he waits outside the locked door.

-- If you admit a workman do not leave him alone in a room. If you have no choice, make sure that there are no easily accessible valuables left in the room, such as: wallets, keys, bags and jewelry. Move such articles to another room, or lock them in a cupboard in the room.

-- Do not be tempted to let technicians, workmen or passing workers into your home without receiving recommendations for them and identifying details or without making a prior arrangement.

D. When leaving your home or apartment, lock the entrance door firmly, turning the lock fully. Do not slam the door. A slammed door is not locked!

-- Do not leave a key under the mat or in any other "secret place" -- electrical closet, under a potted plant, etc. Thieves know about these places too.

-- If you go out for a short time, leave lights on and a radio playing in one of the rooms.

-- If you go away for a long period, ask one of the neighbors or a friend to empty your mailbox and turn on the lights (in a different room each time) so that the house doesn't look empty.

E. Many people fear they will be attacked or mugged in the street, despite the fact that acts of street violence are relatively uncommon. You can avoid this kind of criminal act too, by following these rules:

-- After dark, use lit streets and not dark alleys, even if it means taking a longer route.

-- Use the sidewalk and walk against the direction of the traffic. In this way, you will avoid being hit by a car or motorcycle traveling close to the sidewalk.

-- Do not walk close to the road.

-- Carry your bag under your armpit and not hanging from your shoulder. If it is a large bag, pass the strap over your head so that the bag lies crosswise on your body. This makes it hard for a thief to pull it and snatch it.

-- Keep your wallet or purse in an inside pocket of your clothes and not the back (open) pocket of your pants.

-- Do not carry large amounts of cash on your person. Today, most payments can be made by check, credit card or standing bank order. It is better to make payments using these methods.

-- If someone tries to take your bag or a necklace from you, do not oppose him because you might get hurt. Do not fear asking for help or shouting loudly.

-- Do not carry valuable jewelry, important documents or items with a high financial or personal value in a bag. Keep them in a safe place!

-- Do not leave a bag unattended when you are waiting in line at a bank, post office, bus stop or store.

-- Withdraw cash from an automatic teller machine (ATM) during daylight hours.

-- Do not take cash out of your wallet or purse in the street but only when asked to at the bank, post office, store, etc.

F. Do not be tempted to buy from passing peddlers or people selling "bargains." do not pay the full price for any goods before you receive them. Do not worry about saying "no" to a peddler. You do not have to explain your refusal.

-- If you are hesitant, do not make a rushed decision. You can reconsider whether you want to make a transaction. It is best to seek the advice of friends or relatives before you assume any financial or other serious responsibility.

-- Do not sign a purchase contract without carefully examining all the conditions or without consulting a lawyer or other qualified person.

-- When you purchase something by credit card, if the charge is made manually, ask for the carbon copy and destroy it.

7. For Further Information

If you are the victim of a crime or violence while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. For more information about services for American citizens overseas, you may log on to the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov.

American citizens living in or visiting Jerusalem or the West Bank are encouraged to register with the US Consulate General online at https://travelregistration.state.gov. The Consular section is located at 27 Nablus Road and the US mailing address is Unit 7228, Box 0039, APO AE 09830. The Consulate's American Citizen Services (ACS) unit can also be contacted at +972 2 622-7200 during working hours, via telefax at +972 2 627-2233, or via e-mail at JerusalemACS@state.gov. For more travel and safety information, please log on to the US Consulate's official website at http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov.

The Regional Security Office (RSO) at the US Consulate General in Jerusalem also stands ready to answer questions and assist as needed. US owned companies and organizations are encouraged to join the Jerusalem branch of the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). For more information, please call +972 2 622-7260 during working hours, or +972 2 622-7250 after hours and on weekends/holidays. The Security office is located at 18 Agron Road, and can also be contacted via telefax at +972 2 625-9270. For more information about security overseas, please log on to the OSAC website at http://www.osac.gov/.

In cooperation with the Jerusalem office of the US Commercial Service, Consulate security officers provide periodic briefings to American business personnel, and are in regular contact regarding crime and safety issues affecting the US business community. The US Commercial service is located at 19 Keren Hayesod Street and may be contacted at telephone +972 2 625-5201, telefax +972 2 623-5132, or via e-mail at: jerusalem.office.box@mail.doc.gov. For more information, please log on to their website at http://www.trade.gov/cs/or www.buyusa.gov.