2009 Warden Messages
Possible Demonstrations in Old City and Environs on Friday, January 9, 2009
January 9, 2009
The Israeli National Police are reporting the possibility of a large demonstration Friday, January 9, 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. United States Government employees are being advised to avoid the Old City and its environs all day on Friday, January 9, 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 set up 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. American citizens should exercise caution, stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
In addition, the Department of State urges U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip. Conflict and violence can occur and spread rapidly and unpredictably in the Gaza Strip. The State Department strongly recommends that American citizens refrain from all travel to the Gaza strip. This recommendation has been in effect since the deadly roadside bombing of a U.S. Embassy convoy in Gaza in October 2003. It applies to all Americans, including journalists and aid workers. No U.S. government official travel is permitted inside the Gaza Strip at this time.
Americans traveling in this district should regularly monitor the U.S. Consulate General’s website (http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/ ) and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website www.travel.state.gov <file:///\\www.travel.state.gov> , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Israel, West Bank and Gaza, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.
The U.S. Consulate General also encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a 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). 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.