While everyone should heed the recent warnings in India, Thailand, Nicaragua, and in NYC, as Jews we need to take extra caution. Here are a few alerts or warnings that if you are traveling this holiday, please take notice!
India 11/26/08 — There have been a series of blasts in a number of sites around Mumbai. Some of these have been in or close to five star hotels in the southern part of the city. Reports suggest as many as 80 dead and up to 250 injured people. We advise all in the city to stay indoors until local authorities advise that it is safe to go outside.
New York City 11/26/ 2008 — U.S. authorities have warned of a possible al Qaeda threat to transit systems in and around New York City, according to Homeland Security.
Thailand 11/26/2008 — Large-scale political demonstrations in Thailand that have resulted in the disruption of services as well as isolated incidents of violence. At this time, Bangkok’s international and domestic airports have ceased flight operations due to the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) protests at those locations. It is unclear when normal flight operations will resume.
Nicaragua 11/15/2008 — Municipal elections across Nicaragua took place on November 9, 2008. Violent demonstrations followed and witnesses have reported numerous injuries. The situation remains fluid. Street protests and or clashes are likely to continue in the coming days and can be unpredictable in time, place, and intensity. This Travel Alert expires on December 12, 2008.
