ACS Team Adjudicates Passports in the House of the Sun

Beit Shemesh families submit consular reports of birth abroad and passport applications
during a U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv, American Citizen Services outreach Dec. 15, 2011

As part of U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv, American Citizen Services’ ongoing effort to provide services to U.S. citizens in their home towns in Israel, a team of consular officers and locally employed staff sojourned to Beit Shemesh, “House of the Sun,” to adjudicate Consular Report of Birth Abroad and passport applications.

In addition, Federal Benefits representatives from U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem answered questions, such as how a new parent could apply for a child’s Social Security number.

This beautiful town boasts many historical landmarks and a population of 80,000, with a growing contingent of U.S. citizens. Historians believe ancient residents named Beit Shemesh after a Canaanite sun-goddess and sacred Jewish and Christian scriptures mention Beit Shemesh in multiple places. Beit Shemesh’s Muslim past is evidenced by the Abu Mizar mosque. In modern times, the region boasts buildings industries, including many carpentry and metalwork workshops. Beit Shemesh has witnessed a great deal of history and now Americans are having a significant impact due to the large influx of newcomers with large families.

During the Dec. 14, 2011 visit, the busy consular team reviewed 78 passport and Consular Report of Birth Abroad requests of many grateful families. “You definitely saved us a lot of time!” said one excited applicant. Would you like the American Citizen Services team to visit your town? Send us an email at telavivacs@state.gov.