Since August 1st, applicants for services provided by the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem have faced serious difficulties receiving passports and documents – due to problems with the Embassy’s new delivery vendor, not the Embassy itself.

Over the past weeks, Chaim V’Chessed has been inundated with calls from frustrated applicants. Many passports were sent to the wrong location, while some applicants received incorrect information about pickup procedures. Most concerning, the previous free pickup option at Wolfson Towers was eliminated. Applicants are now required to pick up documents in Beit Hanina – an East Jerusalem location many feel uncomfortable visiting. Additionally, some applicants who requested home delivery have also reported that their passports were rerouted to Beit Hanina instead.

Chaim V’Chessed has also received reports of delivery personnel acting unprofessionally or suspiciously, adding to applicants’ anxiety. Despite extensive communication with the U.S. Embassy about these vendor issues, no meaningful improvements have been implemented so far.

To address this, Chaim V’Chessed is now offering a temporary service: A free courier service for applicants whose passports are at the Beit Hanina pickup center. After being collected by Chaim V’Chessed representatives, passports will be available for safe and convenient pickup at Chaim V’Chessed offices in Har Chotzvim – eliminating the need to travel to Bet Hanina. To register for this service, click here.

It is hoped that this will provide a viable short term solution until the delivery system is improved. Chaim V’Chessed remains committed to helping the community – ensuring passport collection is safe, reliable, and stress-free.