Local Israelis, Palestinians Pray for Loved Ones in Middle East
By: Cierra Putman
Updated: November 20, 2012
The Israeli, Palestinian conflict continues in Gaza. Those in Rochester with family in the line of fire are worrying as they watch the violence on their television screens.
So far, more than 90 Palestinians and at least three Israeli's have died since violence broke out last Wednesday.
It's frustrating, but making a phone call is all Rabbi Asher Yaras can do for his eight siblings in Southern Israel.
"When my sister comes home and she tells me she sees her four-year-old sitting on the couch praying he's scared - that makes me very sad," he said.
That fear is warranted. Rabbi Yaras knows a woman killed by a Hamas rocket.
"Very very sad," he said.
Rabbi Yaras believes Israel is in the right - protecting its citizens. However, Mohammed Abuolba, a Palestinian, sees it differently.
"(They) need to resolve it," Abuolba said. "They need to free Gaza."
His sister in law and five nieces and nephews are in Gaza. Fallout from a nearby missile broke the windows of their home. They're OK, but the fear makes it difficult for Abuolba to sleep and work.
"(I spend) all night watching the news and staying with them on the phone," he said.
Both men pray for more than a cease fire, but a permanent solution to stop the unrest.
