Way to Russia Talk Lounge

MrSpice · Lounge Wizard Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 3436

I think some people on this board heard about this story when the israeli businessman was kidnapped on Nevski Prospect:

http://mosnews.com/news/2005/02/16/surisfreed.shtml

I am plan to visit St Petersburg this June and I am a bit worried about the possibility that I can be followed when I come out of the hotel on Nevski or some other place. I know it may sound paranoid or crazy and people can say that crime happens everywhere and many large big cities are just as dangerous, if not more dangerous. But I feel that the risk in russia is higher because the law enforcement is weak; people are on average poorer than in the west and quite a few people have misconception that Americans are rich - and some are by Russian standards.

What do you people think about it? Should I worry about it, seriously?

Obviously, I will follow the basic rules of common sense (not go out by foot at night, not visiting remote areas, etc.). But if I stay at an expensive hotel on Nevski, should I worry about my safety, possibility of being followed and becoming a victim?

mediashark · Moderator Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 1601

sounds like anoher question I could use for my blog.... Wink

Camrade · Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2005 11:46 pm Post subject:

2MrSpice

quite remarkable: you create same topics in different forums
maybe you want to be kidnapped? :spy: Smile

AliceFromMoscow · WayToRussified Joined: 10 Jul 2004 Posts: 411

Are you a rich businessman running a business in Russia? No? Then don't worry.

mediashark · Moderator Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 1601

Tourists sometimes think too highly of themselves... like the local bandits would be interested... Wink

Filimon · Lounge Lizard Joined: 20 Dec 2004 Posts: 97

Judging by the article, he is an Israeli businessman who used to be a SOviet citizen. In my opinion, based on the number of people I know who are running businesses in Russia and are not kidnapped/robbed/attacked: if you are not involved in anything shady - you'd be fine.

Shall I fear for my life when I am in Kansas - there was a serial killer on the loose there recently?

http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/02/27/btk.investigation/index.html

Skip · Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 2:38 pm Post subject:

How is it that the Jewish business community have such a knack of becoming so bloody unpopular and cause themselves to be singled out for attacks, or for happenings as serious as kidnapping, when other businessmen of no particular religious stance seem to receive far less hassle?!? Confused

Were there some lessons which should have perhaps been learned from the way history tells us the Jews have always been persecuted (bearing in mind alot of the literature in that connection is written by the Jews themselves...) or are they simply a people whose luck runs out far more regularly? Shocked

I'm neutral... neither for nor against Jews... however I do make the observation that what the Jewish people have done regards their neighbours has caused a great deal of righteous offence towards them... Liar

Wouldn't it be nice for Judaism if the claims made in the Da Vinci Code were somewhat closer to the truth than their own faith... Laughing

MrSpice · Lounge Wizard Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 3436

I think you need to extend your education beyond bestsellers. He was not captured because he was Jewish. I don't even know if I should expand the argument since what you said is so silly, it makes it rather difficult to agrue with you.

Skip · Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2005 8:23 pm Post subject:

Lesnik · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 11:05 am Post subject:

It does not count that he was Jew and/ or businessman.
Most likely he owed money... An ordinary criminal business.

blaked · Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 10:10 pm Post subject:

The only people you should try to stay away from are gypsies....and the cops!

sputnik · Lounge Lizard Joined: 02 Jan 2005 Posts: 141

millions of westerners go to st petersburg every year. how many of them are kidnapped Razz

i always consider travelling quite safe, since 'most accidents happen at home'

cook · Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2005 1:14 am Post subject:

So you mean that only one businessman was kidnapped during his stay (and that, probably because he owed millions and millions to business partners)? It sort of sounds like you have to try to be kidnapped there. Not to discount your worries, people do disappear every day, but you'd be much safer if you concetrated on more realistic tragedies that might befall you anywhere- things like getting hit by a car, or falling down a flight of stairs.