LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The war between Israel and Hamas stretches across decades, with its impacts reaching across the globe.
Arkansans with ties to the region are scared for family members, Jewish congregations are praying together and government leaders are taking a stance.
Rabbi Barry Block, who leads the most prominent Jewish congregation in the state at Temple B'nai Israel, travels to Israel regularly.
He shared some of the far-reaching impacts of the war.
"I woke up on Saturday morning to a WhatsApp message from my sister-in-law," Block said. "She lives in northern Israel."
He has family members hiding from Hamas terror attacks and fighting for the Israeli army in occupied land.
"My niece, whose young mother sheltered in place at home with her three young children while her husband was called up to reserve duty," Block said.
The congregation in Arkansas is feeling the far-reaching impacts of the continued violence from the war.
"There are families in the congregation and Jewish people throughout Arkansas who have friends who have relatives in the state of Israel," Block said. "Every single one of them knows people who are impacted or are impacted themselves."
Arkansas officials are also responding.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders condemned the attack from Hamas and lowered flags in Arkansas to half-staff.
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. also shared a statement and said Little Rock police will increase patrols around synagogues and mosques until further notice.
The Little Rock FBI also said they were closely monitoring the events and asked the public to report any suspicious activity.
"We are tracking closely the events in the Middle East," Little Rock FBI said. "Hate crimes and violence against members of any community will not be tolerated."
While there is caution, the Little Rock Police Department said nothing has been reported.
"We always have security when we gather here for worship or study," Block said. "It's important for me to emphasize that there is no current elevated risk or threat."
On Friday, in the first regular service since this war began, Block invited other faiths and state government leaders to attend.
"The readings will be prayers for the state of Israel, prayers for those in the Israel defense forces, prayers for innocent civilians, prayers for peace," Block said.
We contacted a temple and a mosque, as the mosque is considering a march this weekend.
Temple B'nai Israel will be holding that special Shabbat service this Friday night. Block is encouraging anyone who would like to help to donate to the Jewish Agency for Israel's Victims of Terrors fund.
Over the coming weeks, we'll continue to share stories of how this war impacts people in Israel and Palestine and how that connects back to Arkansas.