2005 Warden Messages

Warden Message for Americans  

August 5, 2005

In reaction to the murder of four Israeli Arab citizens in Shfaram on August 4, 2005, by a Jewish settler, and the wounding of 22 people in the ensuing violence, Israeli security agencies went on high alert and deployed large forces throughout the North in anticipation of the possibility of violent demonstrations. Embassy Tel Aviv urges that Americans and American personnel not undertake travel to the affected Galilee areas until Monday, August 8, at the earliest. At that time, the Embassy will be in a position to reassess the security situation, determine if a change in travel advice is warranted, and will provide further instructions.

Consulate General Jerusalem has also been notified by Israeli authorities that local Muslim organizations are planning to hold a charity gathering ("Mahragan") on the Haram al-Sharif in East Jerusalem on Saturday, August 6. Police are expecting approximately 200 buses to arrive, and at this time it is anticipated that the event will occur with no violence or incidents. However, traffic will likely be very heavy in East Jerusalem and around the Old City between the hours of 12:00 and 19:00.

In anticipation of the upcoming disengagement from the Gaza strip, American Embassy Tel Aviv and Consulate General Jerusalem personnel have been reminded to follow the security guidelines outlined below. Although these restrictions are for Embassy and Consulate General personnel, we recommend private Americans to follow them as well. Americans are welcome to contact the American Citizen Services section of the Embassy in Tel Aviv if they have questions at (03)519-7479, or x7453, x7454, x7458, or email amctelaviv@state.gov. The latest travel information and news are also available on the web at http://israel.usembassy.gov/. American Citizen Services in Consulate General Jerusalem may be reached at (02) 622-7201 or (02) 622-7115 or email jerusalemacs@state.gov. The Consulate General’s website address for additional information is http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/.

Security Guidelines for Embassy Tel Aviv and Consulate General Jerusalem employee and family members, which we are passing along to American citizens:

· Employees and family members are urged to avoid travel to the affected areas in the north of Israel or to Israeli Arab villages, or to travel on Route 65.

· Employees and family members are strongly urged to exercise a high degree of caution in patronizing places of worship, restaurants, cafes, malls, and theaters, especially during peak hours of business. Discos and clubs remain off-limits. Large crowds/public gatherings should be avoided.

· Employees and family members should routinely vary their driving routes and times as much as possible and should try to avoid congested traffic points during peak travel times.

· Employees and family members are prohibited from using public buses and are strongly advised to avoid bus stops and the areas around them.

· Travel on Route 443 (Modi’in Road) is permitted up to Modi’in, but not beyond.

Current Consulate General Jerusalem Security Guidelines:

· Travel to the Old City, commercial districts of East Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives (daylight hours) continues to be authorized. However, the Old City is off-limits on Fridays between the hours of 11:00am and 2:00pm, and during hours of darkness all week. In addition, although no security incidents have occurred recently within the Old City, we continue to urge personnel to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings at all times. This is especially true when entering or exiting the city itself, when the volume of pedestrian traffic could create difficulties.

· As always, personnel are urged to exercise a high degree of caution in patronizing restaurants, cafes, malls, and theaters, especially during peak hours of business. Large crowds and public gatherings should be avoided to the extent possible. Personnel are reminded that the RSO has received increased reports of harassment involving vendors in many tourist areas to include the parking area near the 7 Arches Hotel.

· The Tayelit or Promenade (vehicle overlook) located in Armon Hanatziv, bordering the Palestinian Village of Abu-Tor, is open during daylight hours only. The area below the Promenade and the village of Abu-Tor remain off-limits. In addition, employees should avoid the outlying villages around East Jerusalem, such as Assawieh, Ezzarieh, Abu Dis, Ras El Amud, and Silwan.

From time to time, the Embassy and Consulate General may temporarily suspend public services to review their security posture. Travel restrictions on official travel into the West Bank and Gaza impair the Embassy’s and Consulate General’s ability to render emergency services to American citizens in the West Bank and Gaza. U.S. citizens who require emergency services may telephone the Consulate General in Jerusalem at (972) (2) 622-7230 or the Embassy in Tel Aviv at (972) (3) 519-7355.

For further information on travel to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, please consult the Department of State's latest consular information sheet for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza, the Worldwide Caution, Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement and the Travel Warning for Israel, The West Bank, and Gaza. The most up-to-date information on security conditions can also be accessed at the U.S. Embassy in Israel web site at http://www.usembassy-israel.org.il/ or the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem web site at http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/.