Israel Matzav

US consulate warns against taking Jerusalem light rail

The US consulate in Jerusalem has issued a warning against US citizens taking our new light rail system and has barred its own employees from doing so (Hat Tip: Muqata).

The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem advises U.S. citizens that the light rail system in Jerusalem has now started operations in the city. This new form of transportation is part of the public transportation network. Official U.S. Government personnel are currently prohibited from utilizing public transportation facilities, including municipal buses and the light rail network. The Consulate General will monitor the performance and security climate of the new light rail system as it begins operations.

U.S. citizens in Jerusalem are encouraged to exercise caution and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety and security, and to report any suspicious or unusual activity immediately to Israeli authorities. U.S. citizens should, as always, maintain a low profile in public.

Of course what they're not telling you is the reason for the caution. For many years now, Jerusalem city buses have not gone through predominantly Arab neighborhoods. The light rail, in an effort to show Jewish sovereignty over the entire city, goes through the predominantly Arab neighborhoods of Beit Hanina and Shuafat. This is the first time any Jewish transport has gone through those neighborhoods since the route of the 25 bus to Neve Yaakov was changed to avoid them. So far, so good. The one suspicious object I've heard about turned out to have been left there by accident.

Labels: Beit Hanina, Jerusalem Light Rail, Shuafat

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 7:33 AM