Long Islanders in Israel caught off guard amid surprise Hamas attack
Yitzchak Galimidi, of Inwood, who's staying with his grandparents west of Jerusalem, told News 12 he could hear explosions in the distance.
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It was a terrifying day for some Long Islanders who were in Israel Saturday when Hamas launched a surprise attack in the country.
Yitzchak Galimidi, of Inwood, who's staying with his grandparents west of Jerusalem, told News 12 he could hear explosions in the distance.
He said things are “very unknown and scary.”
MORE: Hamas surprise attack out of Gaza stuns Israel and leaves hundreds dead in fighting, retaliation
Galimidi's friend Sammy Tisser, of Woodmere, who is in Israel for national service, said he woke up and heard sirens outside. He described it as “very frightening.”
Both Galimidi and Tisser told News 12 they’re likely staying in a bomb shelter overnight. They said they were observing the Sabbath and were unable to use electronic devices during the day, so they didn’t find out all the details of what was happening until hours after the attacks began.
Galimidi said his Sunday flight home has been cancelled.
Nassau County resident Robert, who didn’t want his last name used due to safety concerns, is stuck in Tel Aviv with his wife and friends. They are there on vacation.
Robert said they were constantly rushing for shelter at their hotel. He said they booked multiple flights home early, hoping one of them sticks.
