2009 Warden Messages
Warden Message – Possible Demonstrations in Old City and Environs Friday, January 02, 2009
January 2, 2009
This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens of the possibility of a large demonstration Friday, January 2, 2009, in the Old City and other possible demonstrations throughout East Jerusalem in protest of the ongoing situation in Gaza. There is expected to be a heavy police presence in and around the Old City throughout the day. The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem has recommended that its employees avoid the Old City and its environs all day on Friday, January 2, 2009.
Access restrictions to the Haram Al-Sharif/Temple Mount and a heavy police presence may spark disturbances at entry points, to include the Damascus, Herod’s and Lion’s gates, in addition to random security checkpoints setup throughout the areas leading to the Old City.
Heightened awareness should continue to be practiced when approaching established and random security checkpoints throughout the Jerusalem area, where crowds and the possibility of spontaneous disturbances may occur.
To contact the American Consulate after hours regarding an emergency situation, please call 02-622-7250. For routine inquiries, please email the American Citizen Services Unit at JerusalemACS@state.gov.