Skip Navigation
You Are In: U.S. Citizen Services > General Information > Warden Messages > 2006 Warden Message > September 26, 06
Skip Left Section Navigation

2006 Warden Messages

Warden Message  

September 26, 2006

The security directives below have been implemented for American employees and family members assigned to the U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem and the Embassy in Tel Aviv after a review of the current threat environment. They have been designed to reduce the overall risk to our employees and their family members by minimizing their exposure to areas of potential violence.

Although the Consulate has no information indicating a specific threat to American citizens or interests, it is worth noting that the upcoming religious holidays can serve as a potential flashpoint for outbreaks of violence or terrorism. Especially in Jerusalem's Old City, much larger than normal crowds can be expected, with a correspondingly heavy police presence. All personnel should expect significant traffic congestion and delays around the Old City during the next five weeks, and should seek to use alternate or bypass routes whenever possible. In addition, as a precaution the entire Old City has been placed off-limits to American citizen U.S. Government employees and family members during the following dates and times:

On the following Fridays - 29 September, 6, 13, and 20 October:

*The Old City is off-limits to Amcit personnel all day on those four days.

Also Tuesday, 10 October (Jerusalem March) from 1500 (3:00PM) through the remainder of the day., the Old City is again off-limits.

For the latest security information, Americans should regularly monitor the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov/, where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and other Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays.)

Americans who remain in West Bank and the Gaza Strip are strongly encouraged to register with the Consular Section of the U.S. 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.