Long Island families with loved ones in the Middle East are keeping a constant watch on the escalating conflict between Lebanon and Israel.

Rosemarie and Mitchell Klipper say they are worried about the safety of their eldest son, Leonard, who last week began a four-week study program at Israel?s Haifa University. The area was recently hit by a missile attack, but they say Leonard called from a bomb shelter to let them know he was ok. Rabbi Arthur Rulnick, of the Woodbury Jewish Center, has two married children and four grandchildren living in Israel. He says he is concerned for the welfare of his family and all Jewish people in Israel.

Long Island travel agents are not reporting any significant cancellations of trips to Israel because of the recent violence. The Klippers say they are confident Leonard will return home safely in three weeks.