LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Tensions from the missile strike in the middle east are being felt in Jewish and Iranian communities who call Louisville home. This is after Iran fired missiles at Israel on Tuesday.
There are concerns between both communities on what will happen next.
Trent Spoolstra, the Jewish Relations Council director with the Jewish Federation of Louisville, said he was shocked by the news of the missiles hitting Israel.
"Unfortunately, for the world Jewish community, but particularly here in the United States and over in Israel, the last year has been worrisome," said Spoolstra.
Spoolstra thinks about this recent attack, along with the one-year anniversary coming up for the war against Hamas. This recent attack is also close to an important reflective holiday for the religion with Rosh Hashanah starting Wednesday.
"I think of the people in Israel," said Spoolstra. "The last thing they should have to do is run towards bomb shelters and hide from Iranian missiles. They should be getting ready for the Rosh Hashanah holiday that's starting in less than 24 hours."
Spoolstra, along with other members of the Louisville Jewish community, have reached out to loved ones and friends still in Israel. He said there's a fear that the attack on Tuesday will cause an escalation in the conflict, and called for peace.
Political scientist Kurt Jefferson of Spalding University, said Tuesday's attack was a retaliation, and this is unlikely to become the next World War Three.
"I think it will continue to be a support operation by the U. S.," said Jefferson. "I don't see the United States picking up any slack for Israel in terms of ground operations or other things of that nature."
WHAS11 News reached out to multiple local connections to Iran for a reaction to this event. A professor at Bellarmine University, Haleh Karimi said, "I hope these leaders find a path for peace instead of pursuing this path for war. We need unity to bring our world together as one planet."
There has also been a rise in gas prices in Kentucky and Indiana. This is because of Hurricane Helene as it moved through the Gulf of Mexico. Right after the missile attacks into Israel, the price of a barrel of crude oil jumped 5%.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell also responded to the attack in a statement.
"It is not enough to intercept missiles and drones moments before they reach civilians in Israel or U.S. personnel in the Red Sea. It is time for America to act like the friend of Israel we claim to be."
McConnell added the U.S. needs to replenish Israel's supply of weapons and ammunition.
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