Posted on 01/05/2009 4:12:38 PM PST by RaceBannon
UPDATED - ALERT - Frightening Text Messages Being Forwarded Around NY Jews January 2, 2009 3:00PM EST: [UPDATE BELOW] With the situation in Gaza deteriorating by the day, and anti-semitism rampant around the world, thousands of NY Jews were frightened upon receiving the following text message which has been going around on Friday afternoon:
“A Jewish woman gave a tip to a Muslim taxi driver and out of appreciation he warned her not to go to Manhattan next week Wednesday.”
YWN has reached out to high-ranking members of the NYPD, and have stated that although they received the same text message, “there are no credible threats to be concerned about - and don’t even know where this text message originated from”.
The only message that they do have for the public is the same message that they have been saying since 9/11. That message is “always be aware of your surroundings, be vigilant, and if you see anything suspicious contact the police department immediately to report what you have seen”.
UPDATE 3:50PM EST: YWN has just spoken with NYS Assemblyman Dov Hikind who tells us that he has received various reports regarding this ‘threat’ and has personally contacted the FBI who is currently investigating them.
He thanked YWN for our alert to calm the public, and echoed the call for calm and vigilance at anytime and any location. “If you see something, say something,” Hikind said.
“The FBI and the NYPD take these types of threats very seriously, and investigate them thoroughly to ensure the safety of the public.”
May Hashem protect us from no harm - no matter where in the world we are located.
IMPORTANT NOTE: YWN offers three different options (all free, of course) for keeping in touch with the news as it happens. Should you wish to receive breaking updates via SMS text message (in the USA), or two different email alert options, please click HERE to sign up - and join the already tens of thousands of subscribers.
(Yehuda Drudgestein - YWN)
These things are happening, it is real, it is not an internet hoax. People are reporting that taxi drivers are offering warnings to those who have tipped them well or were more friendly than others they have dealt with.
I am the author of what is below
====================================== Here is an update as of 1800 eastern
What I have learned in the last hour is that a 3rd person, who did NOT know of the previous calls, informed my friend of an identical event taking place with an old woman he knew personally
The source of the 3rd account is impeccable
This information was relayed to departments within Homeland Security and we were informed that there have been MANY reports coming in from around the world all saying that people who were just in NYC had received warnings from their cab drivers, with most of the cab drivers assumed to be Somali who gave this information out.
I was in NYC Saturday myself and took one cab ride but no one said these things to me.
In each of the reported cases, each of the witnesses said they left a generous tip to the driver who then said: You seem like a nice person, DONT be in New York after Wednesday
One of the persons I mention was told by the taxi driver to immediately change plans no matter how inconvenient, but to stay out of NYC from Wednesday on.
It is only speculation as to whether this is a legitimate threat or an attempt to create a hoax causing panic
======================================= my original, long winded comments are below:: ============================
I have a friend who does terrorism awareness seminars, I work for him on occasion doing research on the net for news articles to help keep a database
I got a call from him today.
Cab drivers in New York City have told two persons he spoke to, that "you look like nice people. You should not be in New York on Wednesday"
am not posting this in the open forum because I just dont have any more proof than what I am going to write here
I have a friend who does Terrorism Awareness for a living. I have been working with him for some time and am still, doing internet research on occasion
he received 2 phone calls from 2 separate sources today
In the last 2 days, these two parties were taking taxis and struck up friendly conversations with their drivers.
Each one was told by the taxi drivers to NOT BE IN NYC THIS WEDNESDAY
“You seem like nice people, You DONT want to be here on Wednesday” was the general statement
We all know that a elementary school boy was acting up in class in Brooklyn and exclaimed how he knew the Twin Towers were not going to be standing the following week. And 9/11 happened.
This may be a hoax done to the people who called my friend, but one of them is the child of someone prominant in the conservative movement and also in awareness of the Islamic Threat we face. Their concern was genuine.
I was told that the New York City Police department was called and they told the caller they were already aware of this threat.
For my New York Friends: report all lost baggage report all suspicious activity report all bags left unattended Avoid large crowds or gatherings get in-get out, do all business quickly in stores and malls
bring two cases of water home tonight and keep it out of the sunlight
Similar information was relased in the media in the last 3 days, I can post this online now for everyone to read
bring two cases of water home tonight and keep it out of the sunlight WT Hell does that mean
if the power goes out, water is more important than food
sunlight will make water taste foul and grow bacteria over time
The key will be how many muzzie cab drivers are on “vacation” starting Tuesday....
Separately, while here on biz 9/5/01 (before moving here), I had a brief encounter with a cabbie that left me, in retrospect, sure there was a high probability that he knew something big was up. It's just a hunch and I won't bother trying to prove it, because I'm satisfied by what I read in his eyes that he did.
So, while this current story sounds a lot like "Gabriel's lips are on the trumpet," I'd have to say that if if happened to me, while nothing would keep me from being in NY, I would be paying attention.
I doubt any Muslim in the know would warn a Jewish woman.
And one time a lady got over-charged for the Neiman Marcus peanut butter cookie recipe, so decided to share it with everyone. Also, if you forward emails around enough Microsoft is going to give a bunch of money to some kid.
Well the true test of this will be if we see hundreds of taxis leaving the city on Wednesday morning.
May Hashem protect us from no harm...
To be safe, I would omit that 'no'...
So, you're saying sunlight will turn water into turkey and yogurt?
Shouldn’t the taxi companies be watched to see who “calls in sick” early Wed. AM?
This, itself, could be a form of terrorist attack. Just tell a bunch of Jewish New Yorkers not to be in the city on or after a certain date and sit back and watch them go nuts wondering what might happen. The real panic indicator would be if Muslims started avoiding New York City. If you head in for work and spot few or no cabs, time to leave. Of course if it’s a biological attack, that could be a mistake, too, bringing the attack home to your family. I’m happy I stopped working in Manhattan last year because I don’t think the terrorists are done with Manhattan.
Let me be the first to say this could be hugh!
It might even be series!
I’m heading for the shower
Sounds very much like an Internet rumor but, we shall see.
Regardless, at some point in time, the sane people of this world are going to have to stand up to those who intentionally take offense to everything for fun and profit and tell them, enough. We’re not falling for it any more. Grow up. You’re offended? Tough! I’m offended that you’re offended. Deal with it. And if they resort to violence as they all too frequently do, grant them their 72 virgins with extreme prejudice.
Internet hoax.
And people fall for this?
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