TEL AVIV, Israel — Tensions in the Middle East have been at a boiling point since Hamas' deadly Oct. 7 terror attack and mass hostage taking that led to a full-scale assault by Israel on the Gaza Strip. It's now escalated to other parts of the region.
Iran launched a direct military strike on the Jewish state Saturday. Cleveland attorney David Leopold is there.
"When the Israeli government confirmed that, indeed, there were drones headed our way (and perhaps missiles), people obviously got ready to take shelter," Leopold recalled.
Three hundred missiles and drones were fired from Iran
"People in Jerusalem heard sirens and saw the Iron Dome system do its job and keep the missiles out," Leopold added.
American officials said U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria as well as warships are in the region as part of the effort to counter the Iranian attack.
"Ironically, the Israeli defense system defended and protected the Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem," Leopold added. He was in Tel Aviv while the missiles were en route. "I made sure I knew exactly where to go, but frankly, I waited it out."
Leopold left for Israel last week, and he is currently on a mission with 12 other people with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. They are cleaning up the kibbutz near the Gaza strip, and were well aware of Iran's threats.
"The threats were coming for the last couple of weeks," Leopold admitted.
However, that didn't stop him or the delegation from going to Israel. Besides, his daughter and her family live there, along with his sister and many other relatives. He says many Israelis took to the streets the day after to dance.
"People in this country are strong, and they bounce back," he said. "And that's what makes Israel an absolutely incredible place."
Leopold was initially told he would not be able to get a flight out of Israel until April 21. He eventually got one booked for Monday, only to have that trip be delayed again until Thursday.