Israel-Iran strikes: Chicago-area groups react, protest; airlines divert flights to O'Hare airport as Tel Aviv airport shuts down
Share and Follow

CHICAGO (WLS) — Some Chicago-area groups called for peace Friday amid the ongoing strikes between Israel and Iran.

Flights were diverted to O’Hare Airport after the Tel-Aviv airport shut down shortly after Israel launched a preemptive strike on Iran. Iran says top military leaders and nuclear scientists were killed in the attack.

Jewish groups hope the attack will lead to the fall of the Iranian regime and will eventually result in peace in the Middle East, but some Iranians are concerned the situation will escalate and innocent people will pay the price.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Meanwhile, Federal Plaza played as the backdrop, again, to the cries and concerns from pro-Palestinian advocates on Friday.

Protesters were calling for the conflict between Iran and the U.S.-supported Israel to cease.

“We’re here, today, to oppose war and we’re also opposed to the United States government assisting Israel in this war, on Iran, and the war on the region,” said Husam Marajea with the U.S. Palestinian Community Network-Chicago. “We want this to stop.”

Earlier Friday, several international flight carriers also cancelled, delayed, or redirected flights as tensions flare between Israel and Iran.

ABC7 Chief Legal Analyst Gil Soffer described hearing the sirens after Israel’s attacks Iran.

Passengers who were able to catch some of the last flights out of Israel arrived at O’Hare on Friday. Some passengers told ABC7 they don’t know when they will be able to return back home to Israel.

“I’m coming to visit family, I hope to go back, God willingly,” said Hevieh, who was flying from Israel.

ABC7 Chief Legal Analyst Gil Soffer is among those currently stuck in Israel. He said he was in town for a wedding when he heard sirens.

“I heard deafening sirens,” Soffer said, “Immediately we saw the report on our phones… and we should expect retaliation.”

Soffer said he relocated to a friend’s home to wait things out.

“You don’t know when it could happen again,” Soffer said. “So, we’ll get an alert, which gives us a minute and a half to get into the bomb shelter if a ballistic missile has been launched from Iran.”

Those who did make it on the last flights out of Tel Aviv, say they are praying for their family.

Chicago groups reacted Friday to the ongoing strikes between Israel and Iran.

Lonnie Nasatir is the president for the Jewish United Fund. He hopes military action will force the Iranian people to rise up and overthrow the Iranian regime that has been in power for over 40 years.

“Until there is a regime change, then we are going to have real instability in the Middle East,” Nasatir said.

But, some Iranian-Americans say while the oppressive regime should go, it should not be done thought military attacks from the outside.

“I feel like the best way to maybe have them resolve things like this is through diplomacy or through the empowerment of the Iranian people themselves to rise up and make a change things,” Chicago-area resident Alex Nejad said.

Nejad grew up in Iran. Most of his family remains there. He fears military action will result in many innocent casualties.

Iran is perceived as a threat by several countries. Foreign policy experts say the scale of Israel’s attack is likely to derail any diplomacy between Iran and the United States.

“The current situation is at a much higher level of intensity to where it doesn’t seem like that’s going to be easy to achieve, if it could even be achieved at all,” University of Chicago Professor Paul Poast said.

Meantime, many Americans remain in Israel waiting and watching it all play out. The Jewish United Fund is so confident the situation will not escalate that student programs in Israel this summer will go on as planned.

The U.S. embassy is warning all federal employees and family members in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza to shelter in place.

Federal workers are also being asked to know the closest safe space in the event there is rocket fire.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Egypt reopens Amenhotep III’s tomb after over 20 years of renovation

Egypt Celebrates the Grand Reopening of Amenhotep III’s Tomb After Two Decades of Restoration

On Saturday, Egypt reopened a pharaoh’s tomb in Luxor, allowing visitors for…
Portland police chief touts 'crowd support' approach as ICE facility faces ongoing violence

Portland police chief touts ‘crowd support’ approach as ICE facility faces ongoing violence

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Portland Police Chief Bob…
2 dead, 12 wounded in Alabama shooting

2 Killed, 12 Injured in Alabama Shooting

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
Vikings' Jordan Addison catches game-winning TD after first-quarter benching

Vikings’ Jordan Addison Redeems Himself with Game-Winning Touchdown Following Early Benching

Jordan Addison went from the doghouse to the end zone during Sunday’s…
Giants' lack of pass rush growing more and more alarming

Increasing Concerns Over Giants’ Diminishing Pass Rush

NEW ORLEANS — The Giants’ struggle with committing five turnovers against the…
President Donald Trump will celebrate the Navy's 250th anniversary in the midst of the shutdown at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia

President Donald Trump to Commemorate Navy’s 250th Anniversary Amid Shutdown at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has decided not to let the government…
Freed American hostage Keith Siegel thanks Trump for saving his life

American Hostage Keith Siegel Expresses Gratitude to Trump for His Rescue

A former Israeli-American hostage, who gained his freedom earlier this year, expressed…
Dolphins vs. Panthers, Lions vs. Bengals

Dolphins Take On Panthers; Lions Face Off Against Bengals

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…