May 11, 2018
On May 14, 2018, the U.S. Embassy will open in Jerusalem following the December 2017 announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump, recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Many countries are preparing for protests related to the embassy opening. Related protests were held across Europe in December after the decision to move the embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was announced. Patterns indicate that likely areas for unrest include U.S. and Israeli diplomatic missions and main squares.
Middle East and North Africa:
In Jordan, a gathering will begin at 16.00 (local time) on 11 May in Sowayma (Balqa governorate), the closest point in Jordan to Jerusalem. In Turkey, a gathering will take place on the same day at the Fatih Mosque (Istanbul). Further gatherings should be expected elsewhere.
Europe:
- France: Demonstrations will take place at Place de la Republique in the capital Paris and at Place Bellecour in Lyon (Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region) at 15.00 on 12 May.
- Greece: A demonstration will take place in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the capital Athens at 18.30 on 14 May. Protesters will march in Athens at 18.00 on 15 May from Megaro Moussikis metro station to the US and Israeli embassies.
- Italy: A demonstration will be held at Piazza dell’Esquilino in the capital Rome at 15.00 on 12 May.
- UK: A protest will take place in front of the US embassy in the capital London at 19.00 on 14 May.
Asia and the Pacific:
Protests will be particularly outside US embassies in the capital cities of Jakarta (Indonesia), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Islamabad (Pakistan) and Dhaka (Bangladesh). Related demonstrations may also take place in public squares or outside mosques on 11 May following Friday prayers. Related demonstrations in Jakarta have previously taken place outside the National Monument (Monas).
Travel Advice:
- Students should never participate in a public rally, demonstration or protest. If these events occur during your program, avoid the area.
- Vacate an area immediately at the first sign that demonstrators or security force personnel are beginning to gather. In the event of violence, return to your accommodation or another secure location as soon as it is safe to do so, and stand fast until the situation normalizes.
- Avoid areas where protests or demonstrations are planned.
- Although the police are likely to swiftly contain any disturbances with demonstrations, those caught in the vicinity may face incidental risks.
- Do not attempt to cross roadblocks and reconfirm the status of routes prior to setting out.
- Do not watch or take photographs of rallies and demonstrations. Maintain a low profile and quickly but calmly vacate the area.
- Closely monitor any developments, using local sources and International SOS travel security alerts to remain abreast of developments.
- Keep your phone charged and on you at all times. In the event of a crisis, UT Austin will send a welfare check that you must reply to. Your family and friends will also be attempting to contact you if they know you were to be in an area where violence has erupted.
As always, if you are abroad and in need of immediate assistance (medical or security related) please call International SOS at 215-942-8478 or UTPD at 512-471-4441.
