ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Conflicts continue to escalate between Iran and Israel. The latest: 180 missiles were launched into Israel Tuesday, pushing these countries to the brink of a war.
All of this comes at the same time as the Jewish New Year, called Rosh Hashanah.
Rabbi Hirshy Minkowitz of Chabad of North Fulton is processing the duality.
"It's a time of mixed feelings—pain in the heart for the loss of life and the tragedy that we went through. And yet, also a certain type of comfort knowing that God is with us," Minkowitz said.
Minkowitz said the holiday is about turning over a new leaf.
"God reviews our actions of the past year and puts us into the books for what type of year we're going to have for the year to come," Minkowitz said.
However, Minkowitz said when he looks back over the past year, he sees consistent antisemitism and war, bringing little holiday peace for him and his congregation. Minkowitz said his members have been sharing their personal stories.
"I was speaking to someone this morning that his daughter is learning their seminary in Jerusalem," Minkowitz said. "And, last night, they had to go into a bunker because of the missiles coming in from Iran."
Minkowitz said his people will not be broken. He still sees the blessings through it all.
Southeastern United States Consul General of Israel Anat Sulton-Dadon said she has family in Israel, too.
"I don't want my 86-year-old father having to run for shelter. I don't want our children to have to fight," Dudon said.
Dudon and Minkowtiz said when Israel hurts, everybody in the Jewish community hurts. And as the fight between the two countries rages on, it weighs heavily on them. This holiday may not feel the same, but Dudon hopes a new beginning is on the horizon.
"We would love to see the firing to stop. We would love to stop being attacked, but we cannot afford--just like any other sovereign nation--to have our country and our people attacked without defending ourselves," Dudon added, "We want to see a future of peace."
The Jewish New Year continues until Friday.