For Israel Police, a two-day Shabbos/Shavuos weekend brings additional challenges, especially when the yomtov coincides with the Muslim month of Ramadan which is the case this year.

Police are finalizing preparations for the weekend, announcing on Shavuos night (motzei Shabbos to Sunday) there will be a Tikun Leil Shavuos at the Kosel. Because of Ramadan and seeking to prevent altercations, Jews are barred from the Shar Shechem area from the evening hours on Shabbos until 1:30AM in line with the situation evaluation at the time. Police are not announcing an exact time when “evening” restrictions will begin.

Persons heading to the Kosel are strongly advised to use the other options, Shar Yaffo, Chadash, Tzion and Ashpot (Dung) as they will not be permitted to enter the Old City via Shar Shechem. Leaving from the Kosel via Chaggai Street and the Muslim Quarter will be prohibited during the same time period.

As part of the operation, a large police presence will take up position on the streets leading to the Kosel as well as placing an emphasis on shuls in the capital as well as public parks, vacation resort areas, hotels and nature reserves. In short, police we maintain increased vigilance at venues viewed as high-profile terrorist targets.

There will be increased police activities to locate and evict PA (Palestinian Authority) residents inside Green Line Israel illegally. Persons seeking information may phone the Israel Police information number, 110.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)