Missile attacks in Israel reverberate in Pacific Northwest

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The missile strikes by Iran into Israel on Tuesday reverberated around the world, eliciting reactions from legislative and community leaders here in the Pacific Northwest.

The retaliatory strikes escalated the nearly year-old conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah and Hamas and comes on the eve of the Jewish New Year, which begins at sunset Wednesday.

In the wake of the attack, area politicians showed support for Israel and continued support for their right to defend themselves.

Oregon US Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-5th District) shared in a statement that she is concerned by the recent attack, calling Iran antisemitic and a terrorist country.

“I’m deeply concerned that Israel is facing yet another horrific missile attack by the antisemitic Iranian regime, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism," Chavez-DeRemer said. "The United States must continue to stand strongly with our democratic ally and their right to defend themselves against hate and hostility in the region. I have no doubt that the Israeli people will once again prove to be strong and resilient in this time of crisis.”

Oregon US Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-2nd District) shared the same views, echoing prior statements supporting Israel following the attack.

"The United States will continue to send a clear message to our adversaries we must stand with Israel," Bentz said in a post on X.

Washington Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-3rd District) said she is hoping for a peaceful future and said that Iran poses a threat to not just Israel but to the United States as well.

“My heart is with the people of Israel as they face another attack from Iran. I'm praying for their safety and for a peaceful future free from terror. Iran poses a threat to both the U.S. and Israel, and this attack further demonstrates Israel's need to be able to protect itself,” Perez said.

More than 50,000 Jews live n the greater Portland area and many are in touch with family and friends in Israel.

Bob Horenstein with the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland told KOIN 6 News his Israeli-born wife was in touch with her sister, who still lives there.

"It's very scary right now. It's really frightening because it seems like it's happening on all these different fronts at a time when the Jewish New Year is staring (Wednesday) night. It's supposed to be a happy time but can't be."

It's not uncommon in this region. Thousands of people still have family in Israel and many worry daily about them. One of them, Patricia Rice, moved to Oregon from Israel several years ago. Though she's raised her family here, most of her relatives are still there.

"It's been very stressful," she said. "I'm worried about that's the only country that Jewish people have."

It's unclear at this time if the missile attacks have subsided or if it is the precursor to an even larger escalation of the conflict. Next week, October 7, marks one year since Hamas attacked and killed Israelis and took many hostages.