Incident in Jerusalem (I'm Fine)--UPDATED
I just arrived at the Center for Leadership Initiatives office in Jerusalem, and was greeted with news that there was a "pigua" in Jerusalem on Rehov Yafo, near the Central Bus Station. At blog-press time, the information available was that a tractor (sometimes rendered as "bulldozer") trampled pedestrians and that 30 people were injured (and several people were dead). (Updated here.)
Someone in the crowd jumped up on the shovel of the 'dozer, and shot the driver to stop him. They don't know yet whether it's a terror attack or just some crazy person.
Haaretz called it a terror attack, but also noted that although it seemed to be politically motivated, no one had claimed responsibility.
But since this is the first of such "incidents" to happen in Jerusalem while I'm here, I thought I'd just let everyone know that I'm ok.
More news later.
Glad you are OK! Thank you for the update.
Posted by: Marnie | July 02, 2008 at 06:57 AM
SSDD. It was a new twist though, and now they'll have to keep an eye out for all their Cats and tractors. Why someone did not shoot him earlier is a mystery. Those Israeli's, always so restrained! Cheers & Keep safe, 'VJ'
Posted by: VJ | July 02, 2008 at 11:09 PM
BBC has a remarkable vid of the immediate aftermath, their man Tim Franks was on the scene: [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/7485122.stm]. From a brief glimpse of the Cat Front End Loader, it was fairly large, and would have weighed several tons in excess of even the largest cars or trucks. The trail of destruction was quite dramatic. Another new trick is discovered. I recall when the first suicide bombers struck too. Just depressing. Glad you're fine. Brighter moments to you, 'VJ'
Posted by: VJ | July 02, 2008 at 11:33 PM
Thank God "only" three people were killed. It seems to awful to say that. The reality is, though, that if it wasn't for the quick response of one very brave young man many more would have been killed and/or injured.
And even if you were no where near the attack, you'd still need to let us know that you are OK. Just seems to work that way when anyone goes Home...
Have a great Shabbos
:) FrumeSarah (aka PepGiraffe's sister)
Posted by: Rivster | July 03, 2008 at 07:43 PM