New York State Police have told a group of devout Jews to cease tying up traffic on the New York State Thruway.
The Jewish Press reports that on Thursday evening, August 6, approximately 65 cars parked on the north side of the toll plaza near Harriman, NY — about an hour’s drive from New York City. The drivers got out to “daven mincha” (worship the evening prayers).
Their action caused a major traffic jam with cars swerving in all directions. After prayers, police told the Press that many of the worshippers remained to socialize. They blocked the telephones, and some even crossed into oncoming traffic to use other phones. Children also were reportedly wandering unsupervised.
The police ask that those wishing to stop for prayer use the nearby Sloatsburg Service Area, which contains adequate parking facilities, washrooms and telephones. Police will not permit parking at the toll area.
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