To: rrufff who wrote (207 ) 1/1/2006 12:48:32 PM From: midastouch017 Respond to of 288 Thanks Rrufff, Happy new Year to you and your family. As you see we have celebrated as well,Israel celebrates New Year Thousands of Israelis join celebrations to welcome 2006. Police launch wide operation to monitor traffic, ensure law and order are maintained and set up security checkpoints in major cities; some 49 terror warnings received, with 10 based on pinpoint intelligence tips on intensions to target busy sites Ynetnews and AP Israel joined the world in preparations for New Year’s Eve celebrations with police forces bracing for violence related to alcohol consumption, drunk driving traffic accidents and the usual terror warnings. Although celebrations for the New Year are not part of the Jewish calendar, which celebrates the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashana), many secular Israelis join party lovers around the world every year and hit bars, restaurants and nightclubs to party. In Haifa, police sealed off the Wadi Nisnas and Hadar areas to prevent traffic jams with thousands of cars expected to head to the city’s nightclubs and bars. Thousands of policemen and Border Guard officers have been spread around key sites in the city to secure partygoers. In Tel Aviv, heavy traffic was reported with thousands of cars flocking to the city’s vibrant nightlife venues, blocking major motorways leading to the costal city. In addition to traffic control and law enforcement, the Israel Police has received 49 warnings of intensions by terror groups to carry out attacks this evening. Police said 10 of the warnings are based on pinpoint intelligence tips of plans to attack specific busy sites, where security checkpoints have been set up. ynetnews.com Dubi