“Very concerning”: Local rabbi reacts to recent attacks on Israel by Iran

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Following Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Israel, some in north Alabama who have connections to the country are reacting.

“There was deep worry, our hearts were breaking once again,” said Rabbi PJ Schwartz. Schwartz leads Temple B’nai Sholom one of Alabama’s oldest synagogues located in Huntsville.

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He says there were concerns about the attacks becoming a repeat of what occurred in October.

“There were procedures and processes done that were able to respond to the situation very differently than what happened on October 7th,” Schwartz said.

Although Saturday was much different, Schwartz fears elevated tensions in the Middle East could lead to something bigger. With no reported deaths, the rabbi says the international support Israel received helped save lives.

According to Israeli defense officials, 99% of the hundreds of missiles and drones fired by Iran were intercepted with the help of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Jordan. That kind of collective support is why Rabbi Schwartz feels encouraged.

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“It helps all of us understand that Israel may not be as alone as it has felt as of late the response has been overwhelming,” Schwartz told News 19.

All eyes are on the Middle East as many await Israel’s response to the attacks and what it will look like. “There are far more things that are unknown than known for us to be able to make any prediction as to what’s next,” Schwartz said.

Officials have said the US will not take part in Israel’s expected response, but President Joe Biden met with G7 leaders Sunday condemning Iran’s attacks while pledging their collective support for Israel.

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