CSRA Residents React to U.S. Strikes on Iran

Local faith leaders share perspectives on the conflict and its impact on the region

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Residents in the CSRA region are responding to the recent U.S. military strikes on Iran, with some expressing support and others opposing the action through protests. Two local faith leaders - one who has spent time in Israel and another who has spent time in Iran - shared their views on the situation and its effects on people in the Middle East.

Why it matters

The U.S. strikes on Iran have sparked strong reactions from the local community, reflecting the broader geopolitical tensions and concerns about the potential for escalating violence in the region. The perspectives of the faith leaders provide insight into how the conflict is being perceived and its impact on ordinary Iranians.

The details

According to the report, some CSRA residents protested the U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Cantor Daniel Geigerman of Congregation Children of Israel said the situation reflects a reality far removed from daily life in the U.S., while Sister Ellen Francis of the Order of St. Helena Episcopal expressed concerns that the Iranian people do not want war and are more focused on issues like affordability, inflation, unemployment, and environmental challenges. The two local faith leaders emphasized the universal desire for peace and love over hate.

  • The U.S. and Israel announced strikes on Iran on Saturday.

The players

Cantor Daniel Geigerman

A faith leader from Congregation Children of Israel who has spent time in Israel.

Sister Ellen Francis

A faith leader from the Order of St. Helena Episcopal who has spent time in Iran.

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What they’re saying

“It's a different world than what we live here in the United States.”

— Cantor Daniel Geigerman, Faith leader, Congregation Children of Israel (WRDW/WAGT)

“The Iranian people just want a peaceful life.”

— Sister Ellen Francis, Faith leader, Order of St. Helena Episcopal (WRDW/WAGT)

“I think we need to pray for peace and for well-being of everybody throughout the whole Middle East, including our military, who are now in the line of fire.”

— Sister Ellen Francis, Faith leader, Order of St. Helena Episcopal (WRDW/WAGT)

“Love feels better than hate. And there's a reason. It's because we want to live in a peaceful society, right? We have to create that peaceful society.”

— Cantor Daniel Geigerman, Faith leader, Congregation Children of Israel (WRDW/WAGT)

“We have to love. And that's what our religions tell us. That's what Christianity, that's what Islam, that's what Judaism, that's what many traditions around the world teach is to love. But we tend to forget about that from time to time.”

— Cantor Daniel Geigerman, Faith leader, Congregation Children of Israel (WRDW/WAGT)

The takeaway

The reactions from CSRA residents highlight the complex and divisive nature of the U.S. strikes on Iran, with some supporting the action and others opposing it. The perspectives of the local faith leaders emphasize the universal desire for peace and the need to address the concerns and priorities of the Iranian people, who are primarily focused on domestic issues rather than conflict with Israel.