Escalating Israeli-Palestinian conflict sparks local protest and concern for loved ones overseas

DETROIT (WXYZ) - “I don’t think people understand what it is, every day in and day out, to fear for your life. Somebody is motivated to come and kill you," Don Cohen told 7 Action News about Jewish loved ones living in Israel.

The attacks are continuing to be launched between the Israeli Defense Forces and Palestinian militants in Gaza and the death toll is growing.

Cohen's nephew lives in Jerusalem with his wife and young daughter.

"The leadership revels in killing Israeli civilians. It’s not a good situation. It’s terrible," says Cohen.

Henry Herskovitz is Jewish, but supports Palestinian efforts and is concerned about a dear friend in Gaza.

"We’re all extremely concerned for her. She is saying that the bombs were being dropped right outside of her apartment building."

Herskovitz is a member of Jewish Witnesses for Peace and Friends that he describes as an anti-Israeli peace group.

Frederic Pearson, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies at Wayne State University, tells 7 Action News that a long-term solution, recognizing two states, is desperately needed. Pearson says, "This is a time of opportunity to try to settle this dispute once and for all. And it will take a willingness to negotiate with Hamas I’m afraid".