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United States Embassy,
71 Hayarkon Street,
Tel Aviv, Israel


 
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Warden Message Announcements

Security Alert
October 8, 2004

On Thursday evening, October 7, an explosion severely damaged the Hilton Hotel in Taba, on the northeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, causing a number of fatalities and injuries. There are indications that the blast was a terrorist attack; however, investigations on the cause of the explosion are underway. Other explosions took place elsewhere on the east coast of Sinai, including one in the area of the town of Nuweiba in which there were several reported casualties.

While there is no indication that U.S. citizens were the targets of these attacks, American citizens in Israel and the occupied territories are urged to exercise caution and remain vigilant. U.S. citizens should avoid travel to the east coast of Sinai north of Sharm el Sheikh, particularly in the vicinity of the towns of Taba and Nuweiba.

For further information U.S. citizens may call the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv at 03-519-7551 or the American Consulate General in Jerusalem at 02-622-7230. Information on security and other conditions for American citizens can be found on the Embassy's website http://israel.usembassy.gov or on the Consulate General's at http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov. Please also refer to the most recent State Department Travel Warning for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, the Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement for additional security information. These documents are available at http://www.travel.state.gov.

WORLDWIDE CAUTION
Monday, September 13, 2004 2:56 PM

This Public Announcement is being updated to remind U.S. citizens of the continuing threat of terrorist actions and anti-American violence against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated April 29, 2004 and expires on March 10, 2005.

The Department of State is deeply concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests abroad, as well as the potential for demonstrations and violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. U.S. citizens are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur at any time. In reaction to the execution of hostages in Iraq, there have been demonstrations and associated violence in the hostages' country of origin. While Americans are generally not the targets in such incidents, U.S. citizens could be caught up in the violence. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

The Department of State remains concerned by indications that al-Qaida and affiliated groups continue to prepare to strike U.S. interests abroad. Al-Qaida and its associated organizations have struck in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Future al-Qaida attacks could possibly involve non-conventional weapons such as chemical or biological agents as well as conventional weapons of terror, to include explosive devices.

Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, assassinations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may involve aviation and other transportation and maritime interests. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. These may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and public areas. U.S. citizens are encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. 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. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR AMERICANS WHO WANT TO VOTE IN THE NOVEMBER 2, 2004 ELECTIONS UPDATE
Friday, September 03

This announcement serves to make you aware of some important upcoming voter registration and voting deadlines.

Each of our fifty states has its own rules and regulations for requesting absentee ballots and for the deadlines after which requests for ballots and the ballots themselves will not be accepted. In order to obtain the important SPECIFIC information for your particular state, we suggest that you visit the American Citizen Services website at http://telaviv.usembassy.gov/publish/citserv/htm and go to the link under "What's New" that deals with voting registration and absentee ballots.

We would like to inform you that, in the event that you do not receive your absentee ballot within enough time to permit you to return it to your local election official in time to be counted (you should have received it by about October 8 - 12, 2004), there is a fallback option. It's called the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot or the FWAB.

BUT, IN ORDER TO QUALIFY, YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

1) You must be located outside the United States. This includes citizens who use APO and FPO addresses.
2) You must have applied for a regular ballot early enough so that the appropriate local election official receives the request at least 30 days prior to the election. And,
3) You have not received regular absentee ballot from the state.

Registration in many states closes on October 2, 2004.

Between September 2 and October 2, 2004, states will mail out absentee ballots. The ballot will be mailed to the address that you provided on your Federal Postcard Application (FPCA).

If you have registered in a timely fashion and you have not received your ballot by October 12, 2004, you will likely need to use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot.

How Do I Use the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB)?

If you have not received your absentee ballot by October 12, 2004, you should consider using the FWAB that you can pick up and complete at the American Citizen Services Unit at the Embassy in Tel Aviv at 71 Hayarkon St. From October 13, FWABs will be available upon request from the ACS Unit during public reception hours of 8:30 to 11:00 Monday through Thursday and 8:30 to 12:30 on Friday. When you enter the unit, please take a number and, when your number is called, a staff member will assist you.

Once you complete your ballot, we will be happy to send it back to the United States using the Army Post Office (APO) service at the Embassy. The last date that we will send ballots back to the United States so that they arrive by Monday, November 1, 2004 will be Thursday, October 21. The date provides time for the ballot to transit the Army Post Office system AS WELL AS the U.S. Postal System. Ballots submitted to the APO will be postmarked in Tel Aviv prior to their being sent onward.

If you want or need to return your ballot or FWAB after Thursday, October 21, you should plan to contact a local courier service that will deliver your ballot or FWAB directly to your local election officials. Neither the U.S. Embassy nor the U.S. Government will cover the fees for use of a courier service. Please remember that courier companies cannot deliver to P.O. boxes, so you must be prepared to provide a street mailing address. (For the date until which your application will be accepted, please check the Voter Assistance Guide for your state's individual deadline.)

Extra Hours Provided for FWAB Users

In response to the heavy demand, the American Citizen Services Unit will open for special hours on Tuesday, October 19 and Thursday, October 21 in order to provide FWABs and accept ballots. In addition to regular public reception hours from 8:30 to 11:00, during which time that we provide all ACS services, ACS will open from 2:00 - 3:30 on these two days ONLY. You may come and pick up a FWAB or you may come to drop off the ballot that you received from your local jurisdiction for us to return APO. ABSOLUTELY no other services will be provided during these times.

Can the Embassy Help Me Return My Absentee Ballot to the United States and Ensure that It Is Properly Postmarked?

If you have received an absentee ballot from your jurisdiction in the United States, you may (although you are not required to) return your marked ballot through the Army Post Office (APO) service free-of-charge through the Embassy. Ballots submitted to the APO will be postmarked in Tel Aviv prior to their being sent onward. Please bring your marked and properly sealed ballot to the American Citizen Services Unit during our public reception hours of 8:30 to 11:00 Monday through Thursday and 8:30 to 12:30 on Friday. When you come to into the ACS Waiting Room during public reception hours, you may drop off your ballot directly to the cashier at Window 1. If you need a witness on your envelope, please take a number and wait until your number is called. You may also bring your ballots to the Embassy during the special voting services hours on October 19 and October 21 from 2:00 - 3:30.

What About American Citizens Who Have Never Resided in the U.S.? Can They Register to Vote?

Twelve states have specific rules that permit foreign-born American citizens who have never resided in the U.S. to use their parents' state of voting residence. They are Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wisconsin.


PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT - MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
Sunday,August 22, 2004

The U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv and the American Consulate General in Jerusalem wish to draw to the attention of U.S. citizens that the U.S. Department of Justice just indicted several key HAMAS figures, which could be used as an excuse to target American citizens or American interests.

Given the role of HAMAS in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza in conducting terrorist attacks, the Embassy and Consulate General remind U.S. citizens to observe sensible security precautions. Citizens are particularly advised to avoid public transport, especially buses, large crowds and demonstrations, wherever they may occur, and crowded public gathering places such as restaurants and cafes, shopping areas, and malls. As always, U.S. citizens who require after-hours assistance may telephone the Embassy in Tel Aviv at (972) (3) 519-7551 or the Consulate General in Jerusalem at (972) (2) 622-7250.

Text of Department of State Public Announcement:

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

August 21, 2004

This Public Announcement is being updated to alert Americans to ongoing security concerns in the region. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement issued on June 18, 2004, and expires February 18, 2005.

The August 20, 2004 U.S. indictment of key Hamas figures may be used as an excuse to target American citizens or American interests throughout the region. In addition, the Department of State continues to warn of the possibility for demonstrations and violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests in the region. Anti-American violence could include possible terrorist actions against aviation, ground transportation and maritime interests, specifically in the Middle East, including the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa.

The Department is concerned that extremists may be planning to carry out attacks against Westerners and oil workers in the Gulf region. Recent armed attacks targeting foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia that resulted in many deaths and injuries, including U.S. citizens, appear to have been preceded by extensive surveillance. Extremists may be surveilling Westerners, particularly at hotels and those using rental cars. U.S. contractors may be some of the potential targets.

Credible information has indicated terrorist groups seek to continue attacks against U.S. interests in the Middle East. Terrorist actions may include additional suicide operations, bombings, hijackings, kidnappings and targeted attacks resulting in death. While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many areas, use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents must be considered a possible threat. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where people congregate.

On occasion, the travel of official personnel at embassies and consulates around the world is restricted because of security concerns, and these posts may recommend that private U.S. citizens avoid the same areas if at all possible. Services to U.S. citizens in countries abroad may be affected if employees' movements are restricted. If this happens, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. In case office hours are reduced, U.S. citizens in need of emergency assistance should telephone the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before visiting in person.

In addition, U.S. citizens planning to travel to the Middle East or North Africa should consult the Department of State's country-specific Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement and other information, Fact Sheets, and regional travel brochures available on the Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. and for callers outside the U.S. and Canada a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328.

Travel Warning
Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza
Tuesday, August 03, 2004

This Travel Warning is being updated in light of the kidnapping of a U.S. Citizen by unknown gunmen in the West Bank. Militants associated with al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades have recently kidnapped foreigners in both the West Bank and Gaza. Additionally,in the aftermath of the killings of two HAMAS leaders by Israel in less than a month, statements have been made by some HAMAS elements and other terrorist groups threatening revenge against U.S. interests. The Department of State continues to urge all U.S. citizens to depart Gaza immediately, and to warn U.S. citizens to defer travel to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza due to current safety and security concerns.This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued April 28, 2004.

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to depart Gaza immediately and to defer travel to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza due to current safety and security concerns. Militants associated with al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades have recently carried out kidnappings targeted at foreigners, including U.S. citizens, in the West Bank and Gaza.Statements have been made by some HAMAS elements and other terrorist groups threatening revenge against U.S. interests following the killing of HAMAS leaders in Gaza. These actions could include kidnappings, although we have no information that these threats will be carried out at this time. HAMAS has also vowed revenge against Israel. O ngoing violence over the last three yearshas caused numerous civilian deaths and injuries, including to some American tourists, students and residents, as well as to U.S. Mission personnel. The potential for further terrorist acts remains high. The situation in Israel, Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank remains extremely volatile with continuing terrorist attacks, confrontations and clashes. The Department of State recommended all U.S. citizens depart Gaza following the lethal terrorist attack on U.S. Mission personnel in Gaza on October 15, 2003. In addition, as the Israeli Defense Force continues to conduct extensive military operations, especially in Gaza, the possibility that innocent bystanders might become victims remains high.

American citizens who remain in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza despite this and earlier warnings are urged to continue to review their personal security situations and to take those actions they deem appropriate to ensure their well-being. Private Americans are encouraged to follow the precautions detailed below and remain in close communication with the American Embassy in Tel Aviv and the American Consulate General in Jerusalem for more detailed information. American citizens residing in the West Bank and Jerusalem should consider relocating to a safe location.

American citizens should avoid, to the extent possible, public places such as restaurants and cafes, shopping and market areas and malls, pedestrian zones, public buses and bus stops, and other crowded venues and the areas around them. Americans should also avoid demonstrations. Roads designed for Israeli settlers, including in East Jerusalem, have been the sites of frequent shooting attacks and roadside explosives, sometimes resulting in death or injury. U.S. Embassy and Consulate employees and their families have been prohibited from using public buses throughout Israel, the Jerusalem municipality, the West Bank and Gaza.

U.S. Government personnel in Israel, Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza are under tight security controls, including prohibition of non-official travel to the West Bank and Gaza. Official travel to the West Bank and Gaza is conducted only for specific mission needs, and under the auspices of U.S. Government security personnel. Occasionally, U.S. Government personnel are prohibited from traveling to sections of Jerusalem and parts of Israel, depending on prevailing security conditions.

As a result of ongoing military activity in the West Bank and Gaza, sections of those areas have been declared closed military zones. The Government of Israel may deny entry at Ben Gurion Airport or at a land border to persons it believes might travel to “closed” areas in the West Bank or Gaza or to persons the Israeli authorities believe may sympathize with the Palestinian cause and are seeking to meet with Palestinian officials. Closed areas in the West Bank and Gaza have been subject to intense shelling and firing. In some instances, Americans have been wounded and their property damaged. Major cities in the West Bank are often placed under Israeli military curfew. All persons in areas under curfew should remain indoors or risk arrest or injury. Americans have been killed, seriously injured, detained, and deported as a result of encounters with Israeli Defense Forces operations in Gaza and the West Bank. Israeli authorities may imposetravel restrictionswith little or no warning and travelers run the risk of finding themselves stranded as a result. Due tothe closures and fighting, provision of medical and humanitarian care has been severely delayed in those areas.

In addition, dual Palestinian-American citizens may encounter difficulties, or be barred from, entering and/or departing Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, especially during times of Israeli closures. Americans who hold Palestinian ID numbers should consult the Embassy or Consulate for the most recent information before attempting to cross relevant borders. These restrictions can change frequently and without any advance notice.

During times when the closures and curfews are lifted, in order to depart Israel via Ben Gurion Airport, Palestinian-Americans must apply for an Israeli transit permit. Except in humanitarian or special interest cases, Israeli authorities are unlikely to issue this permit. In this event, and notwithstanding the restrictions mentioned above, travelers must depart via land crossings and may experience lengthy delays. All travelers who enter or travel in Gaza or the West Bank should expect delays and difficulties at Israeli military checkpoints located throughout those areas, and should exercise particular care when approaching and traveling through checkpoints. Travelers should also be aware they might not be allowed passage through the checkpoints.

From time to time, the Embassy and Consulate General may temporarily suspend public services to review their security posture. Due to current limitations on official travel by U.S. Government employees to the West Bank and Gaza made necessary by the unrest and uncertain conditions, the ability of consular staff to offer timely assistance to U.S. citizens in need in these areas is considerably reduced at present. 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) 519-7551.

Information on travel and security in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza may be obtained from the department of state by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States, or, from overseas, 1-317-472-2328. U.S. citizens should consult the consular information sheet for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, the Middle East and North Africa public announcement, and the worldwide caution public announcement at the Department’s Internet site at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be accessed at http://www.usembassy-israel.org.il or http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov


WARDEN MESSAGE
Friday, April 16, 2004

In the aftermath of a recent string of kidnappings of foreigners in Iraq, including American citizens, we cannot rule out the fact that similar kidnappings or other violence directed against Americans could take place here. The American Embassy in Tel Aviv urges any Americans still in Gaza to depart immediately. The Travel Warning for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza warns U.S. citizens to defer travel due to current safety and security concerns. For those Americans who plan to remain in or travel to the region despite our current Travel Warning, we would urge you to familiarize yourselves with the security guidelines provided to Embassy Tel Aviv and Consulate General Jerusalem personnel. For your convenience, we are repeating those guidelines below:

Embassy Tel Aviv Security Guidelines
  • 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. Large crowds/public gatherings should be avoided. Discos and nightclubs remain off-limits.
  • 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 by employees and family members to the Gaza Strip and the West Bank is prohibited.
  • Travel on Route 443 (Modi'in Road) is permitted up to Modi'in, but not beyond.
  • All personnel are asked to review their overall security awareness levels at home. This includes utilizing all window and door locks, familiarizing yourself with your residential alarm system, and training family members and residential staff on how to respond in the event of an emergency.
Current ConGen Jerusalem Security Guidelines
  • Travel to the Old City continues to be authorized except during the hours of darkness and between the hours of 11:00am and 2:00pm on Fridays. With the majority of reported security incidents occurring in the vicinity of the main entrances into the Old City, staff are asked to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings while in these areas. In addition, staff should be alert to the real possibility of spontaneous (or not so spontaneous) protests within the Old City, especially after Friday prayers. This can often cause incidents of violence that have resulted in strong responses from the parties involved
  • Employees and family members are strongly urged to avoid the downtown areas of West Jerusalem and City Center. In addition, staff should avoid the commercial districts of East Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives over the next several days. 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. As always, personnel should be alert to the ever-present street vendors who often harass tourists in many areas of town. 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.
  • Recently there have been incidents of vehicles being set afire in Israeli residential areas near the Palestinian village of Abu-Tor. Personnel should exercise caution and are reminded that the Tayelit or Promenade (vehicle overlook) located in Armon Hanatziv, bordering Abu-Tor, is open during daylight hours only. The area below the Promenade and the village of Abu-Tor itself 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.

    Warden Message
    Preparedness of American Citizens Living Abroad
    January 27, 2003

    Among the highest priorities of the Department of State and our missions abroad is the safety and security of locally resident Americans overseas. In the past year the Department has intervened to assist in the evacuation of Americans from half a dozen countries throughout the world, as a result of serious political or economic unrest, natural disasters, and terrorist attacks. Hundreds of expatriate Americans each year are forced by personal emergencies (e.g. death or illness in the family) to return to the U.S. on short notice. Evacuations, especially under crisis conditions, are inevitably very disruptive and distressing for those involved. The State Department routinely provides standard advice to its employees on prudent steps to take to ensure they would be prepared in the event of such an evacuation. This and other advice on crisis preparedness is available on the Department's Web site at HTTP://TRAVEL.STATE.GOV, and we are summarizing the principal points below. The Embassy and Consulate General commends these elementary steps to you for your careful consideration.

    -- Assemble all vital documents such as passports, birth and marriage records, vaccination, insurance and bank records in one readily accessible location;

    -- Check to be sure that your passport and any necessary visas are valid and that you are registered at the Embassy or Consulate General with your current address and phone number. If you need to obtain a new passport or to update your registration, please do so at the Embassy as soon as possible from Monday to Thursday 8:30 - 11:00, Monday to Wednesday 2:00 - 3:30 and Friday 8:30 - 1:00. Visa processing can take several weeks. Immediate family members should keep their U.S. visas current, and apply for visas with as much time in advance of planned travel as possible.

    -- Make or update as necessary a complete inventory of your household effects, in duplicate.

    -- Maintain an adequate supply of food, water, and necessary medications in your home. Make sure your car is in good working order. Keep the gas tank full and check oil, coolant, tires, and battery.

    We do not want American citizens to become unduly alarmed. These are precautionary measures only. Given the potential for further acts of violence, terrorism, or anti-American demonstrations, we believe it is important for all citizens to maintain readiness for all possibilities in case of an emergency. We will promptly inform you of any significant developments and advise you accordingly.

    The Department of State encourages all American citizens residing abroad to register their presence and obtain up-to-date information on security conditions at the nearest American Embassy at telephone: 03-519-7479, fax: 03-516-4390, email: AMCTELAVIV@STATE.GOV or address: 71 Hayarkon Street, Tel Aviv.


     


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