Caught in the middle of Middle East attacks

(WTNH) -- The death toll as a result of the violence in the Middle East continues to rise. At least 100 Palestinians have been killed in six days of Israeli air strikes.

Hamas fighters have launched more than 1,000 rockets into Israeli killing at least three Israelis.

News 8's Bob Wilson spoke to people who were caught right in the middle of attacks.

"It was scary," said Sid Ulreich, "there's no doubt about it."

He was caught in the middle of an air strike. Ulreich just came back from the southern border of Israel. He left behind his daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren; all of whom ran for cover as the missiles were launched.

"We did hear the rockets coming and they have a device in that part of the country where they are intercepted," said Ulreich, "and the air raid sirens do go off, and then you have 30 seconds to get into a shelter."

Nearly 500 people gathered at the Jewish Community Center to show support for family and friends back in Israel. Judie Jacobson has a son that lives over there.

"The sirens go off and they call it Sava A Dome, red alert, and the sirens go off and you have to race and the first few times it really really struck him," said Jacobson.

Along with a strong police presence, Senator Richard Blumenthal attended the meeting to talk about what Washington is doing to negotiate peace.

"We are providing the Israeli with missile defenses like the Iron Dome, that can help shoot down the rockets," said Sen. Blumenthal, "but Israel now needs a friend to seek peace and a cease fire that will preserve civilian life."

"This needs true leadership and this leadership needs to come from the U.S.," said Monji D'Wetee.

He is the Executive Director of the Council of American Islamic Relations, and he says he hopes America can negotiate peace.

"I would like to see nothing more than the Palestinians and the Israeli living in the same country, under the same rules," he said.