Just to add this to the mix. New York City is often referred to as the New Jerusalem.
Many people refer to it as the New Babylon, but I guess it doesn't matter in the long run. That said, I don't think anything is going to happen on the 22nd, and people are getting needlessly freaked out. Which is exactly what he wanted.
With the Muzzies, a bit of bluster and spear shaking outside the gates is as good as anything else. They declare a propaganda victory and go back to deciding how they can kill the most civilians in some sneak attack. Gutless wonders of the Mad Mo cult.