Indian-origin taxi driver drove New Yorkers for free for 40 days after 9/11
A viral story about an Indian-origin taxi driver who provided free rides to New Yorkers for 40 days after 9/11 has gained attention during the 25th anniversary of the attacks. The story highlights themes of immigrant contribution and patriotism amidst ongoing debates about immigration policy in the US.
Why it matters
It serves as a cultural touchstone in the current US political climate regarding the role and treatment of immigrants.
An Indian immigrant taxi driver who reportedly gave hundreds of free rides to New Yorkers for 40 days after the September 11 attacks has gone viral online as the US marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11.Shabbos Kestenbaum shared the story on X, saying his taxi driver, Gurvinder Singh, told him he was at the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11, 2001. According to Kestenbaum, Singh continued helping New Yorkers afterward by giving rides to those who needed them and refusing payment.Kestenbaum said Singh also showed him a letter from then-New York mayor Rudy Giuliani thanking him for his service to the city.“Gurvinder emigrated from India 35 years ago and encourages all his riders to fly American flags,” Kestenbaum wrote in his post.Singh also asked Kestenbaum to share a message ahead of the 9/11 anniversary: “Love all people, respect all people.
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