Jewish New Yorkers were alarmed and upset by Iran’s missile assault on Israel, causing concern for their loved ones in the besieged country. Many were shocked to hear the news, including worshipers at the Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Crown Heights, who were not aware of the invasion due to Sabbath restrictions. One man even sprinted across busy Eastern Parkway to check on his family in Israel. There was a police presence outside the synagogue as a precaution, reflecting the tense atmosphere among the community.
Rabbi David Sholom Pape, 79, expressed his prayers for the safety of the Jewish people and the safe return of hostages in Israel. He described Iran’s attack as a “suicide mission” and expressed concerns about the potential global implications. Despite the escalation, some individuals were unsurprised by Iran’s actions, which involved deploying drones, ballistic missiles, and rockets against Israel. This marked Iran’s first-ever direct attack on Israel and was reportedly in retaliation for the killing of top Iranian generals by Israel on April 1.
Some residents, like 26-year-old Samson, who had family living in Israel, were deeply affected by the ongoing conflict. He emphasized the importance of praying and checking on loved ones in Israel every day, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Samson criticized the Iranians in Tehran for celebrating the destruction caused by the attack, calling it “horrible” and emphasizing the need for the violence to stop. Others, like Moshe Frank, expressed concerns about the Iranian people’s hostility towards Israel and hoped for a de-escalation of the conflict.
Despite the chaos and destruction caused by the attack, some remained hopeful for peace and resolution. Goldstein, who had moved to Crown Heights from Israel for school, emphasized the need for coexistence between Arabs and Jews. Rabbi Shimmy Weinbaum shared a similar sentiment, expressing faith in God’s protection for the people of Israel. Mayor Eric Adams reassured New York City’s Jewish population that the city stood with Israel and directed additional resources to Jewish communities and houses of worship to ensure safety.
Jewish leaders in New York condemned the attack by Iran and vowed to support Israel’s defense. Sen. Chuck Schumer called for an immediate permanent ceasefire in the conflict between Hamas and Israel. Mark Treyger, a former Democratic city councilmember, labeled the attack on Israel as a sobering reminder of the ongoing suffering in the region. He praised the United States’ support for Israel and emphasized the significance of the attack in the broader context of world history. Amidst the heightened tensions and concerns, the Jewish community in New York rallied together to show their solidarity and support for Israel.
