Many are wondering if the wildcat strike declared on Sunday 21 Adar II by Foreign Ministry employees has an impact on the average person in Israel or Israeli abroad.

Work sanctions began 19 days earlier and labor leaders on Sunday decided treasury officials are not taking union demands seriously, leading to the announced strike that halted services in Israeli diplomatic facilities around the world, numbering 103 facilities. The strike is open ended.

This means Israelis traveling around the world will not receive any consular services unless a case is deemed an emergency.

The impact was felt immediately as ministry employees on Sunday refused to handle the transfer of the bodies of two Israelis who died of natural causes abroad, wishing to be buried in Israel.

· All Foreign Ministry public relations with foreign officials and governments around the world have halted

· Permits for security exports and business dealings are halted

· Eight couples undergoing fertility treatments in India and Georgia are stranded for they cannot have the documentation needed to return home issued

· Thousands of foreign agricultural workers, businessmen and tourists expected to arrive in Israel are now on hold

· The famous Nepal Pesach seder for backpackers will most likely be canceled as a result of the strike

· The visit of the pope in May is likely to be canceled.

The strike is expected to cost Israel at least $250 million, Yediot Achronot reports.

If I am stuck abroad what am I to do?

Hold on to your passport tightly and do not get in any trouble.

Will the strike impact a planned trip abroad?

It should not for even if one needs a new passport, one may have one issued from the Ministry of the Interior, which provides this service. If however you are abroad and require a passport, then you are struck as a result of the strike.

What if I get into trouble abroad?

Try not to for there are no consular officials to bail you out. Assistance will be forthcoming in life and death cases only.

Who does the strike affect?

In essence many Israelis will be affected in some way, directly or indirectly.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)