The following unedited message was released by the US Embassy on Friday, 26 Menachem Av 5773, citing the international alert based on an al-Qaeda threat. 

Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens – August 2, 2013 UPDATE

The Department of State has instructed certain U.S. Embassies and Consulates to remain closed or to suspend operations on Sunday, August 4. As a result, all Embassy facilities will be closed on Sunday, August 4, including the American Center in Jerusalem and the Haifa Consular Agency that would normally be opened to the public. The Embassy is instructing all U.S. government employees not required for ensuring essential building safety and security not to come into Embassy facilities for afterhours work on Sunday, August 4. The Department has been apprised of information that, out of an abundance of caution and care for our employees and others who may be visiting our installations, indicates we should institute these precautionary steps. It is possible we may have additional days of closings as well, depending on our analysis.

The Department, when conditions warrant, takes steps like this to balance our continued operations with security and safety. However, beyond this announcement we do not discuss specific threat information, security considerations or measures, or other steps we may be taking.

For further information, we refer you to the Worldwide Caution put out by the Department dated February 19, 2013:

As a matter of general practice, U.S. citizens should avoid areas where large gatherings may occur. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.

Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Israel enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s Internet website at travel.state.gov where the Worldwide Caution, Country Specific Information, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well. Download our free Smart Traveler app, available through iTunes or Google Play, to have travel information at your fingertips.

Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, 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).

The U.S. Embassy is located at 71 Hayarkon Street in Tel Aviv and is open from 8AM to 4:30PM. U.S. citizens may telephone the Embassy in Tel Aviv at (972) (3) 519-7575 during working hours and the Consulate General in Jerusalem at (972) (2) 630-4000. After hours (for emergencies), U.S. citizens may telephone either the Embassy in Tel Aviv at: (972) (3) 519-7551 or the Consulate General at: (972) (2) 622-7250. Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be accessed

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)