ATLANTA — As the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, fears about safety and security are rippling through communities across Atlanta.
Amid the ongoing tensions, the Israeli military dropped leaflets over Gaza City Friday, urging residents to evacuate ahead of a planned ground assault to eliminate Hamas.
In Atlanta, the repercussions of the conflict are being felt in places of worship, prompting local leaders to bolster security measures to ensure the safety of their congregations.
At the Chabad of North Fulton, visible security measures have been put in place to reassure congregants. Police cars are stationed at the campus, and additional security personnel have been hired to maintain a sense of safety during these challenging times.
Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz shared the emotional toll the conflict has taken on the community.
"It's just been a week filled with pain, shock, disbelief, excruciating emotional turmoil. We want to make sure that everyone's going to be safe and come to services and not be afraid," Minkowicz said.
The concerns are further fueled by a recent call from a former Hamas leader for a "global day of rage," scheduled one week after the militant group began strikes in Israel.
Meanwhile, at Congregation Beth Jacob Atlanta, Rabbi Ilan Feldman emphasized that precautions are necessary but should not succumb to fear.
"There's a lot of bravado by some cowardly people who just like to inspire fear. We're not going to give in to that fear," said Rabbi Feldman. He also shared plans to collaborate with law enforcement, with DeKalb County Police agreeing to enhance security in the vicinity.
Amid the unease, Feldman stressed the importance of maintaining faith and solidarity during these trying times.
"This is about humanity. It's not just about us. We're going to actually celebrate our Shabbat with greater verve than ever," Feldman said.
Beyond places of worship, school districts across the metro area, including DeKalb County School District and Decatur City Schools, are taking precautions to ensure the safety of students and staff in response to the escalating conflict.
As tensions persist, the Atlanta community remains united in its hope for an end to the violence and a return to peace in the Middle East.