2004 Travel Warnings

Ramadan Information

October 18, 2004

 This security alert is being issued to inform American citizens in Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza that, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Consulate General has declared the Old City of Jerusalem off-limits to official American personnel and their family members day and night on Fridays as well as during hours of darkness every day. Ramadan runs this year from October 15 to November 13. Throughout Ramadan, the level of pedestrian traffic in and near the Old City is expected to increase significantly. American citizens living in or visiting Jerusalem are urged to exercise extreme caution and vigilance during their daily routines, and particularly in the area of the Old City of Jerusalem, commercial districts of East Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives.

We remind all American citizens of the current State Department Travel Warning for Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. U.S. citizens who require emergency services may telephone the Consulate General in Jerusalem at (972) (2) 622-7230 during the day, or (972) (2) 622-7250 at night and on weekends, or the Embassy in Tel Aviv at (972) (3) 519-7355.