WNY Jewish, Muslim communities react to conflict between Israel and Iran
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — As the conflict continues to escalate and unfold between Israel and Iran, the Jewish and Muslim communities in Western New York are praying for their family and friends overseas.
The lives of the citizens from both countries seemingly changed overnight as Israel launched a preemptive strike against Iran.
Whether it's to see family, friends, or just to visit, the Jewish Community of Western New York has close ties to Israel and travels there often.
Rabbi Mendy Labkowski, director of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life of Buffalo, tells WIVB News 4 that, in light of the renewed conflict, travel to the country has now been brought to a halt.
'Throughout the year, when you look at our congregation, there's at least one congregant at all times that are in Israel,' Labkowski said. 'Currently, right now, the entire Israeli airspace is closed. There are so many events that were planned over the next few weeks and, ultimately, all those flights are canceled. Whoever is in Israel is in Israel, and whoever is out of Israel is out of Israel.'
Labkowski was born in Israel and has many family members that call the country home.Following the preemptive strike, he spoke to some of his family, including his uncle, who he says has already been called up from the reserves to join the army.
'My mother's entire family lives in Israel, and last night when this went on, just about before 10 o' clock, I called my uncle who is in reserves and he was called out, I was watching live on WhatsApp, as he was called out to go leave his family and go be called up for the army,' Labkowski said. 'That's a very, very tough thing.'
Earlier this year, Labkowski was in Israel visiting his aunt. While there, he tells WIVB News 4 he got the opportunity to see their bunker where they're now sheltered in light of the conflict.
'My aunt just gave birth about three weeks ago, and watching her, calling her, they're sitting in the bunker,' Labkowski said. 'I was in Israel a few months ago and we slept near there, to actually see it in use, see her with her now four little children and husband, sitting in the bunker, is beyond freaky.'
The fear of where this conflict could lead extends to the Iranian people as well. Dr. Khalid Qazi, president of the Muslim Public Affairs Council of Western New York, says that it's been hard for many in the Muslim community to reach their loved ones in the Islamic Republic.
'There are many members in the community that have family and friends in Iran,' Qazi said. 'They haven't been able to reach out to them in a timely manner at this time.'
Now, with no end to the conflict in sight, Qazi says fear is mounting.
'Initially, there was a tremendous amount of shock,' Qazi said. 'But, now, there is more fear as to where it is going, what sort of escalations will take place.'
Rob Petree is an anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in 2025. See more of his work by clicking here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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San Francisco Chronicle
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