In the wake of the Israeli airstrike reportedly carried out on Iranian soil early Friday morning, the city of Jerusalem has entered a full civilian emergency mode. Following instructions from the Home Front Command, the municipality announced the suspension of non-essential activities across the city. Schools are closed, hospitals are working under emergency protocols, public transportation has been suspended, and residents are instructed to remain close to protected areas and avoid public gatherings
A photo taken near Jerusalem’s Old City shows hundreds of stationary bikes set up for a planned outdoor spinning event – now left unused. The image has since come to symbolize the city’s sudden shift from daily routine to quiet readiness
According to an early-morning municipal statement, all public bomb shelters in the city are open. Authorized parking structures have also been designated as shelter options, and residents are urged to open private building garages to neighbors without protected spaces. Emergency welfare and law enforcement teams are operating at enhanced capacity, as is the city’s emergency hotline
The light rail system in Jerusalem has been suspended until further notice, in line with guidance from the Ministry of Transport and the Home Front Command. Commercial centers are allowed limited activity depending on ongoing security evaluations
Hospitals on alert, emergency services prioritized
Jerusalem’s two major hospitals – Hadassah and Shaare Zedek – have both announced full emergency protocols.
Hadassah began discharging non-urgent patients, transferring departments to fortified areas, and halting all non-essential procedures. Life-saving treatments and delivery rooms continue to operate.
Shaare Zedek reported opening protected wards, moving its neonatal units, and maintaining emergency services such as dialysis in reinforced spaces
Both hospitals emphasized they remain fully prepared to receive patients and treat injuries as needed
Prayer moves underground, and national services are impacted
At the Western Wall, all prayer services have been moved to fortified halls within the Western Wall Tunnels. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation urged the public to follow all safety instructions and avoid congregating in the open plaza. All prayers currently held on-site are being dedicated to the safety of IDF soldiers and air force pilots
Israel’s National Insurance Institute also announced that all medical committees scheduled for today (Friday) are canceled nationwide, with affected applicants to be contacted individually
Like the rest of the country, Jerusalem is on high alert. The city continues to function under an emergency routine, awaiting further updates from national authorities
