MILWAUKEE — Many people in the United States are following the situation in the Middle East closely, in fear that it could raise the potential for war between Israel and Iran, bringing more upheaval to an already unstable region.
Roberta Clark leads the Jewish Community Relations Council for the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. She said there are heightened fears of retaliation after Israel’s attack on Iran.
“One of the things we see happen, is when issues in Israel that people disagree with — whether it’s the Israel-Hamas war, or it’s Israel attacking Iran — members of the Jewish communities outside of Israel are targeted,” said Clark. “It prompts more antisemitism.”
Many Iranian Americans have also expressed fear of being targeted.
Spectrum News 1 reached out to several Iranians who live in the Milwaukee area. They said they were too afraid to be identified, in fear of potential retaliation.
One Iranian man Spectrum News 1 spoke with, said his sister in Iran woke up to the sounds of explosions from the Israeli airstrikes. He said he worries about his family and friends in Iran, but he does not support the Iranian government.
He was one of several Iranians who shared hope that the Israeli attacks on Iran’s military and nuclear strongholds will weaken the Iranian regime.
Still, there are many other Iranian Americans who are angry that Israel took that step and are glad Iran is fighting back.
Clark acknowledged that people on all sides of this conflict share a concern for friends and family, both in the United States and in their homelands. That’s why she said she always urges everyone to be mindful about how they communicate in these difficult times.
“You’re not going to change anyone’s mind by a post. You’re not going to change anyone’s mind if they are yelling and screaming at you,” Clark said. “Let’s have respectful conversations with people, and focus on the safety and wellbeing of the entire community.”
