The government of Syria has repeatedly, and indiscriminately used chemical warfare on their on citizens killing thousands of women and children.
It is widely believed that if Syria gets attacked, the Syrian Government will attack the US's most staunch ally, Israel. This will possibly include chemical attacks.
In preparation, the Israeli Government is issuing respirators to all it's citizens, however they are currently unable to supply US citizens with said equipment.
The US Department of State has issued masks to employees in the region as well, but refuses to issue masks to the 300,000+ US residents currently in Israel.
Please do your job and protect the lives of your citizens. State department employees have no more right to breath than every other US citizen!