AUSTIN, Texas — In recent days, there has been a sharp escalation in missile attacks between Israel and Hamas allies, Iran and Hezbollah.
Monday will commemorate one year since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.
The attacks bring back memories for University of Texas at Austin graduate Seth Greenwald, who was studying abroad in Israel when the fighting broke out in 2023.
“I think it’s a travesty this happened within days leading up to October 7th,” said Greenwald. “I have friends that were in bomb shelters all night.”
Greenwald remembers the frightening moments that led to UT officials suspending their programs in Israel on Oct. 10, 2023.
“I went to Jerusalem on the morning on the 7th staying in a hostel with a bunch of lone soldiers who were there,” Greenwald said. “There were a lot of bombs that went off or rockets that landed close to us while we were there.”
Officials said since the war began more than 40,000 people have died. Greenwald eventually left for London to finish out his study abroad program there.
“These are human beings,” Greenwald said. “Human beings who are suffering all sides of the war zone as well.”Despite being back in Texas, Greenwald is still keeping an eye on Israel and hopes there will soon be a resolution.
“I consider the country a second home with all the friends and extended family I made along the way,” Greenwald said. “Hoping we can see a more peaceful situation.”