Outgoing American Ambassador to Israel Richard Jones accepted an invitation from the Hareidi religious community in Mea She'arim and toured the area Monday. Leading rabbis explained to him the problems community members face with the American consulate when they need to travel overseas in time for a brit mila (circumcision).
Other special problems include those of traveling to the United States on Passover with a box of handmade matzo or with the holiday of Succot's "arba minim" (four species) that include plants and fruit, which often are prohibited in the U.S. when brought from foreign countries.