South Florida Jewish, Iranian Families Concerned After Strikes in Iran

Residents with loved ones in Iran on edge as US and Israel carry out joint operation.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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News of a joint US-Israel military operation in Iran has left many South Florida residents, especially those with friends and family in the country, on high alert. Law enforcement agencies have increased patrols around synagogues, schools, and memorial sites in response to the developments overseas. The Jewish community in South Florida has been in close communication with their counterparts in Israel, while a professor at the University of Miami provides historical context on the longstanding tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel.

Why it matters

The strikes in Iran have heightened concerns about civilian casualties and the safety of loved ones among South Florida's Iranian and Jewish communities, who have deep personal and cultural ties to the region. The increased security measures also reflect the broader geopolitical tensions and history of conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel.

The details

According to reports, the US and Israel carried out a joint military operation in Iran, leading to casualties. Many South Florida residents, including Jean Carlos Oliver, have been trying to reach friends and family in Iran but have been unable to get in touch. Law enforcement agencies across Miami-Dade, Miami Beach, and Sunny Isles Beach have increased patrols and stationed officers at synagogues, schools, and memorial sites in response to the developments. The Jewish Federation of Broward County has been in constant communication with law enforcement and their counterparts in Israel to ensure the community's safety.

  • The joint US-Israel military operation in Iran took place on March 1, 2026.

The players

Jean Carlos Oliver

A South Florida resident with a longtime friend living in Iran, who is deeply concerned about the possibility of civilian casualties and the uncertainty surrounding the situation on the ground.

Audra Berg

The president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Broward County, who said the organization has been in contact with law enforcement and is praying for everyone's safety.

Dr. Ira Sheskin

A professor of political geography in the Middle East at the University of Miami, who provided historical context on the longstanding tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel.

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What they’re saying

“I messaged her this morning, and still at this moment I have zero reply from her.”

— Jean Carlos Oliver (CBS News Miami)

“You know, having civilian casualties, that really concerns me. Because there is no real way of knowing what's happening on the ground. She could be caught in the crossfire.”

— Jean Carlos Oliver (CBS News Miami)

“They've been wonderful partners to us. They were out there on Saturday morning ensuring that everybody was safe and vigilant, which we always are.”

— Audra Berg, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Broward County (CBS News Miami)

“We're praying for everyone's safety. But hopeful that we will be able to live safely within Israel. And the Iranian people will have the opportunity to have a much more vibrant life than they've had.”

— Audra Berg, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Broward County (CBS News Miami)

“It's in response to decades of terrorism against the United States, Israel and the supporting of Islamic terrorism throughout the world.”

— Dr. Ira Sheskin, Professor of political geography in the Middle East at the University of Miami (CBS News Miami)

What’s next

Law enforcement agencies in South Florida are expected to maintain increased patrols and security measures around synagogues, schools, and memorial sites in the coming days as the situation in Iran continues to unfold.

The takeaway

The strikes in Iran have heightened concerns about civilian casualties and the safety of loved ones among South Florida's Iranian and Jewish communities, underscoring the deep personal and cultural ties these groups have to the region. The increased security measures also reflect the broader geopolitical tensions and history of conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel, which continue to shape events in the Middle East.