Britain's Chief Rabbi stranded in Israel

The UK's Chief Rabbi has been left stranded in Israel amid Iranian missile strikes.
Ephraim Mirvis had been expected to deliver a keynote address at the Conference of European Rabbis in Munich this week, but has been unable to board any flights to Europe.
He has remained in Herzliya, near Tel Aviv, where he has been forced to shelter from missile attacks.
Many countries across the Middle East have been forced to close their airspace or greatly reduce the number of flights amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Tens of thousands of passengers have been left stranded.
Speaking via videocall to the Jewish News, the Chief Rabbi described the constant alarms going off in Israel.
'We've had four days and nights of sirens,' he said. 'They've gone off three times a night on average. I've lost count.
'It's not easy, but being here with family brings home what ordinary Israelis are going through. As an average man, woman or child, you are the target. Iran is literally trying to kill us.'
The Chief Rabbi, who is unsure when he will be able to return to the UK, criticised Iran for targeting civilians, saying: 'This couldn't be further from what Israel is doing. Israel is going after military targets and key personnel. Iran is trying to murder civilians.'
Last week, Israel launched a major attack, striking Tehran, the Iranian capital, and killing top military officials and nuclear scientists as well as hitting critical infrastructure. Iran has fired ballistic missiles in retaliation.
Amid the bombardment, the Chief Rabbi praised the unity among Israeli citizens and described the atmosphere as 'inspirational'.
'This is one of the great features of the Jewish people – the unity, the strength, the shared pride. I just wish we could preserve that feeling outside of times of crisis,' he said.
'There are people without safe rooms, without shelters. But so many have opened their homes to others, to family and even to strangers.
'The morale is phenomenal. There's been so much damage, so many injuries and deaths. Everyone here either knows or is related to someone affected. But I haven't heard a single person suggest that Israel is doing the wrong thing. From the far Right to the far Left, everyone knows this is a war for survival.
'What other country do you know that puts on emergency flights into a war zone because citizens are demanding to come home? It's almost unheard of.'
In a message to Jews living in Britain, he said: 'We share in Israel's pain and struggle. Our thoughts, our prayers, and our efforts are with them. And Israelis know this. They've felt our presence, our support, and our generosity ever since Oct 7.
'I want them to know they are an inspiration to us. We will get through this, and we will be stronger for it. Am Yisrael Chai.'
Earlier on Tuesday, the Israeli military said its forces struck several sites in western Iran, hitting 'dozens' of missile launchers.
On Monday, the Islamic Republic vowed that its forthcoming attack would rain down '20-fold' compared to initial retaliation on Friday night.

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