‘Hearts in our throats’: Conflict in the Middle East impacts Manitoba communities

Almost one year after Hamas' attack on Israel, conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, the impacts being felt even in Manitoba communities.

While conflict continues to widen in the Middle East, Manitoba communities with close ties to the region say they are holding their breath.

“This is very concerning to us for obvious reasons. First of all, there is the potential of a war happening,” said Arian Arianpour, the president of the Iranian Community of Manitoba.

Ruth Ashrafi, the regional director of B’Nai Brith for Manitoba echoed Arianpour’s concerns. “We all have our hearts in our throats… We are very concerned, and our community here is also very concerned.”

On Tuesday night, almost one year after Hamas’ attack on Israel, the world watched as Iran launched a barrage of missiles against the nation.

Bryan Peeler, a political scientist, said this could potentially lead to a daunting future.

“Escalation on the conflict is quite possible. I mean, the Israeli government said, you know, like yesterday, Benjamin Netanyahu said that Iran has made a big mistake and that it will pay for it,” Peeler said.

But, all in all, “we don’t know what’s going to happen here.”

Ashrafi and Arianpour say the communities they represent are feeling the uncertainty deeply, as their loved ones try to live through the snowballing violence.