Israel/Palestinian Territories: Eid al-Adha expected to begin September 1

Event

Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) this year beginning September 1. During the festivities, which last up to four days, many government offices and local businesses within the Palestinian territories and Muslim-majority areas of Israel close. Transportation disruptions are also to be anticipated during this period due to an increased number of travelers. While celebrations typically remain peaceful, the terrorist threat will remain elevated during this period as groups could step up attacks by targeting crowded mosques or public places.

Context

Eid al-Adha is one of the most widely observed holidays in Islam and coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. According to Islamic customs, worshipers usually slaughter a sheep or goat to share the meat with their family and neighbors. About 18 percent of Israel's population and 98 percent of the Palestinian Territories' population are Muslim.

Advice

Individuals in the Palestinian Territories as well as Muslim-majority areas of Israel are advised to allow additional time for travel, and to avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering.

More generally due to the ongoing terrorist threat, travelers in Israel and throughout the region are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities and to remain vigilant when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, etc.). As a reminder, several Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and areas near the Lebanese, Syrian, and Egyptian borders.