2005 Warden Messages
Warden Message
September 29, 2005
Security Directives – Upcoming Religious Holidays
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 -- 7, 14, 21, and 28 October, plus 4 November:
*The Old City is off-limits to American citizen personnel all day on those five (5) days.
Also on Tuesday and Wednesday, 4-5 October; Thursday 13 Oct; Tuesday 18 Oct; and Tues 25 Oct:
*The Old City is again off-limits all day on those five (5) days.
For all/all other days starting Monday, 3 October until Saturday, 5 November:
*The Old City is off-limits starting at 12:00 Noon until sunrise every day.
The security directives listed 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. We cannot emphasize enough how important is it to remain on alert and follow post security directives. RSO staff are available 24 hours a day to provide guidance on security-related issues. If you have any questions or concerns regarding Post's security directives, please do not hesitate to contact the RSO at 622-7286 or the RSO duty officer after hours through the Marine Security Guard (MSG) at 622-7250. If traveling to Tel Aviv (or elsewhere in Israel), please do not hesitate to contact the RSO office at 03-519-7400 or the RSO duty officer after hours via the Marine Guard at Post One at 03-519-7551 for additional guidance.
Consulate General Jerusalem - Security Directives
*Official travel into areas of the West Bank is considered on a case-by-case basis when authorized as mission essential. Personal travel using personal vehicles on Highways 1 and 90 between Jerusalem and the Dead Sea or Allenby Bridge, and personal or official travel in non-armored vehicles on route 443, the Modi’in Road, is authorized during daylight hours only. However, all other roads within the West Bank, as well as all cities, towns, villages and settlements, remain strictly off-limits. It is incumbent on the employee to provide the RSO with advance notification of any authorized personal travel through the West Bank.
*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 during the dates and times indicated above. In addition, with several incidents involving aggressive vendors, especially in the area of entrances, personnel are urged to exercise caution when visiting the Old City.
*Employees and family members are urged to remain vigilant while traveling throughout Jerusalem, especially within the commercial and downtown areas of West Jerusalem and the City Center. As always, personnel are urged to exercise a high degree of caution and common sense when patronizing restaurants, cafes, malls, and theaters, especially during peak hours. Large crowds and public gatherings should be avoided to the extent possible, and personnel should be alert to street vendors who often aggressively harass tourists.
*The Tayelit or Haas 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, due to reported increases in criminal activity, employees should avoid the outlying villages that surround East Jerusalem.
*Employees and family members are prohibited from using public buses and trains (and their respective terminals/stations).
*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.
*All personnel are asked to review their overall security awareness levels at home. This includes utilizing all window and door locks, familiarization with your residential alarm system, and training family members and domestic staff how to respond in an emergency.