NYC Residents Anxious as Israel and Iran Clash

The recent outbreak of intense warfare between Israel and Iran has left many New Yorkers with loved ones in both countries feeling anxious and helpless. The conflict, the most significant in decades, has sparked fear and uncertainty.

<img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/07/14/multimedia/14israel-iran-diaspora-chkw/14israel-iran-diaspora-chkw-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&amp;auto=webp&amp;disable=upscale" alt="Smoke rising from an oil refinery in Tehran">

Fear and Heartbreak in the Diaspora

New Yorkers with Iranian heritage are grappling with the devastating images emerging from the conflict. One Iranian-American, Leili, described the situation as "monstrous," highlighting the heartbreaking scenes of injured children in cities like Shiraz.

Meanwhile, Jewish Americans are experiencing heightened anxiety, particularly following recent antisemitic attacks in other parts of the U.S. Mitchell Silber, executive director of the Community Security Initiative, noted that anxiety levels within the Jewish community are at an all-time high.

The Casualties of War

The conflict began with a surprise Israeli attack on Iranian targets. According to Iran's health ministry, at least 128 people have been killed and over 900 injured in Israel's strikes. In Israel, at least 13 civilians have died in retaliatory attacks.

<img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2025/07/14/multimedia/14israel-iran-diaspora-gfmc/14israel-iran-diaspora-gfmc-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&amp;auto=webp&amp;disable=upscale" alt="Two women standing in front of a destroyed building">

This escalation follows years of shadow warfare and Israeli military actions against Iranian allies across the Middle East.

Heightened Security Measures

Jewish institutions in New York are taking precautionary measures, following advice from the Community Security Initiative, including increased vigilance and communication with law enforcement. The NYPD has also provided additional security to these institutions.

However, these measures do little to alleviate the widespread fear and uncertainty felt by those with connections to the region. Many are staying close to shelters, fearful of the next attack.

A Bleak Future?

The conflict has instilled terror in Iran, where many lack access to the protective measures available in Israel. The potential for further devastation fuels the anxieties of Iranian-Americans like Leili, who worry about the impact on the lives and future of the Iranian people.