PHOENIX – Due to the latest war between Israel and Hamas, Jewish communities in Arizona

have felt the need to bolster their security presence.

“It is hard for Jews to come together to pray in public places. We have a security guard standing
outside our synagogue every time we gather. It shouldn’t be like that in America,” said Rabbi
Cookie Lea Olshein of Temple Emmanuel of Tempe. Olshein said the synagogue has increased
the number of security guards it uses.

The move comes after the Hamas militant group launched an attack on Israel Saturday. More
than 1,200 were dead as of Wednesday, according to media reports, and Israel on Sunday
declared war on Hamas.

Hamas, which the U.S. State Department has designated a terrorist organization, has ruled the
Gaza Strip since 2007. The group governs more than 2 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Founded in 1987, Hamas has called for the elimination of Israel, which was founded in 1948 as a
safe haven for Jews fleeing persecution.

The latest Gaza war has affected people across the world.

“People are horrified, outraged,” said Rabbi Bonnie Koppell, an associate rabbi at Temple Chai
in Phoenix. “There are a lot of very personal concerns for friends and family. Members who have
been murdered, who are missing, who are serving in the Israeli military. It is a 24/7 nonstop focal
point in our community right now.”

Those who support Palestinian causes also denounced the conflict.

“The violence needs to stop,” said Michael Bradley, coordinator for the Arizona Palestine
Network, which advocates for Palestinian rights. “There are other alternatives; my prayers go out
to all those affected by the conflict.”

The Phoenix Police Department has increased patrols around synagogues in Arizona in the wake
of the conflict.

And Arizona officials, including Gov. Katie Hobbs and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, called for
more security at local places of worship.

“Not only have we increased security, which is always a concern, we are very grateful to the
Phoenix Police Department, which proactively has increased their patrol,” Koppell said.
Arizonans stuck in Israel amid conflict

As missiles rained on Israel, many international airlines suspended flights, which has led to
Americans and others being stuck in Israel.

This is the case for Kane Adkins and his family, who remain in Israel after their flight was
canceled, according to news reports. Adkins is a pastor at Son of David Messianic Fellowship in
Mesa.

Adkins told NBC News he and his family have been stranded in Tel Aviv since their flight home
was canceled over the weekend.

The U.S. Embassy in Israel urged travelers to check the status of flights from Tel Aviv’s Ben
Gurion International Airport in its latest security alert.

Arizonans respond

Jewish leaders invited the community to join in prayer and support for Israel on Monday night at
the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus in Scottsdale.

The Board of Rabbis of Greater Phoenix, which works toward unity of the Jewish community,
and thousands of people gathered in Scottsdale to pray for loved ones and show support for those
in Israel.

The Hillel Jewish Student Center at Arizona State University is holding a rally in support of
Israel Wednesday at the ASU Hayden lawn while Students for Justice in Palestine at ASU is
holding a rally in support of Palestinian resistance Thursday at 11 a.m. outside of Memorial
Union.