2 days ago
Security heightened in Rochester ahead of rallies as Israel-Iran tensions rise
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Local leaders are responding after Israel launched attacks on the heart of Iran's nuclear and military structure Friday. Iran retaliated by unleashing scores of ballistic missiles on Israel. It comes hours before rallies are set to take place nationwide, now incorporating the issue between the countries.
Iran and Israel say a new wave of Iranian missile attacks has begun. Explosions heard over Jerusalem
'There's real concern for our friends and family in Israel right now,' Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester CEO Meredith Dragon told News 8 Friday.
Iranian missiles hit several parts of the Tel Aviv metro area Friday night after Israel struck multiple sites in Iran earlier in the day. Officials said around 35 people were injured in the strikes in Tel Aviv.
Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester CEO Meredith Dragon called it 'a surprise to the world.'
'I just hope that people recognize that dismantling Iran's nuclear capability is something that not only obviously is important for Israel, but I think it's important for everybody on our planet,' Dragon said.
Israel had long threatened a strike, which the United States opposed, fearing it could spark wider Mideast conflict and fail to destroy Iran's nuclear program.
However, Hamas' October 7 attack and President Trump's re-election are said to have created conditions for Israel to act on its threat. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the U.S. was informed beforehand.
On Thursday, the U.N. Atomic Watchdog censured Iran over nuclear concerns as Israel's strike drew regional condemnation and global calls for de-escalation.
Governor Kathy Hochul said she is monitoring the Israel-Iran conflict — boosting security at Jewish and Muslim sites in New York.
The attacks also come at a time when rallies are planned nationwide against what are being called 'authoritarian actions' by President Trump. Dragon told News 8 she received information about groups who will be attending those rallies to now protest the attacks.
'While people can demonstrate peacefully, we also want to ensure people's right to assembly and right to freedom of religion in synagogue,' Dragon said. 'So, we're working closely with law enforcement to make sure people can get to synagogue safely.'
Brighton Police released safety reminders ahead of Saturday's planned demonstrated and encouraged everyone to remain aware of their surroundings, follow the instruction of law enforcement, and 'work together to ensure a peaceful and safe experience for everyone involved.'
'The complicated piece, obviously, is that this is taking place in Twelve Corners, and Saturday morning is when the vast majority of the Jewish community is in services,' Dragon said.
With two Israeli embassy workers killed in Washington D.C. in May, Dragon says she's worried.
'We want to make sure both here in in Brighton and in Israel, our Jewish community, and all the community is, is safe now and always,' Dragon said.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand also released a statement on the situation, calling it serious, and saying she defends Israel's right to defend itself, and opposed Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Rallies protesting U.S. policies under President Trump are expected to begin across the nation Saturday morning.
News 8 did reach out to the organizers of the No Kings rallies to see if they have added the conflict between Israel and Iran to the list of issues they're protesting. Here was their reply:
The attacks between Israel and Iran are deeply disturbing. There will certainly be emergency protests called among various groups.
Our rallies tomorrow are No Kings rallies. The Geneseo No Kings rally is sponsored by Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace. It is a peaceful protest. We are gathering in defiance of authoritarian excess, the increasing use of force against people in America, the threat to the social safety net, the rising specter of fascism. The crisis of democracy is not separate from the crisis of nuclear deterrence.
Our rallies should include a call for peace, between Israel and Iran, and an end to the genocide in Gaza. There is great danger in our world.
I speak for myself. There are close to 2,000 No Kings rallies across the country tomorrow. There is no 'script'.
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