Local leaders react to the war in Israel

SOUTH BEND, Ind - Local Jewish and Muslim leaders have one thing in common--fear for their loved ones in the Middle East.

On top of that, they agree the violence has to stop.

Bob Feferman is the community relations director at the Jewish Federation of St. Joseph Valley has personal ties to this war.

Right now, his son, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren are living in Israel.

He's constantly worried for their safety, glued to the news coverage ever since Saturday's brutal attack by Hamas.

“That first day, they spent many hours in shelters, and what happens is when sirens go off, they have to go to shelter, even though Israel has the famous iron dome rocket intercept system, it's amazing, but it's not perfect,” said Feferman.

Feferman found out about the attack when he got a call from his son early Saturday morning.

He says his family has been instructed to avoid windows, doors, and being outside altogether.

What's keeping him strong is not only the support that Israel is getting internationally, but right here at home as well.

“And especially Americans coming together to support Israel in a way that I've never seen before, I think with Americans this resonated bringing memories of 9/11,” said Feferman.

A Palestinian mosque-goer at the Islamic Society of Michiana has cousins that are living through this war.

He says the U.S. could help facilitate peace talks.

“I absolutely hope our government plays more of a positive role when it comes to ending this conflict,” said Musleh.

And I spoke to Imam Mohammad Sirajuddin, who's been working at the Islamic Society of Michiana for about 25 years.

He has a message of peace for the world:

"War and violence is not the answer to end the violence. Answering violence with violence and with extremism with another extremism is not going to end the violence,” said Mohammad Sirajuddin.