Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Public transport disruptions expected during Jerusalem March October 17 /update 1

Event

The annual Jerusalem March is taking place from 08:00 to 18:00 (local time) on Thursday, October 17. Heavy traffic is expected in several areas between 08:30 and 13:00, including Jabotinsky Street, Hanassi Street, HaAri Street, Binyamin Metudela Street, and Sa'adia Gaon Street. Road closures will come into effect between 13:00 and 18:00, including Ben Tzvi Road, Yitzhak Rabin Boulevard, Bezalel Street, Ben Yehudah Street, Shmuel HaNagid Street, Be'eri Street, King George Street, Irgun Street, Hillel Street, Ben Sira Street, King David Street, and David Remez Street. Public transport services such as buses are not available on Keren HaYesod Street, King David Street, King George Street, Mordehai A'lish Street during the march.

Israel and the Palestinian Territories will also observe the public holidays of Sukkot between Sunday, October 13, and Sunday, October 20, and Simchat Torah between October 20 and Monday, October 21. Those practicing Sukkot typically do not work on the first or last day of the festival, and the government has declared bank holidays in the afternoons of October 13, 15-20.

A heightened security presence is currently active in and around Jerusalem as the region observes Sukkot. Business and communication disruptions, as well as further public transportation disruptions are expected in the coming days.

Context

Sukkot is a week-long festival commemorating the time after the Jewish people left Egypt. Simchat Torah marks the end of the Sukkot and is typically dedicated to the reading of the Torah.

Advice

Individuals in Israel and the Palestinian Territories are advised to monitor developments to the situation, adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, and anticipate significant transportation, business, and communication disruptions and heightened security measures.