2007 Warden Messages

Warden Message  

February 15, 2007

Due to the possibility of protests associated with the continued excavation work near the Haram Al Sharif/Temple Mount, U.S. Government personnel have been advised to avoid the area in and around the Old City on Friday, February 16, 2007. Access restrictions to the Haram Al-Sharif/Temple Mount and a heavy police presence within the Old City and its environs may spark disturbances at entry points, including the Damascus, Herod’s and Lions’ Gates, in addition to random security checkpoints set up throughout the areas leading to the Old City. Heightened awareness should be practiced when approaching established and random security checkpoints throughout the Jerusalem area, where crowds and the possibility of spontaneous disturbances may occur.

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.)