GIRARD - Mousa Kassis has two brothers in a war zone, and while he talks to one daily, he has not been able to reach the other.
Kassis, who came to America from the Middle East 31 years ago, was watching television coverage of the Israeli incursion into the Gaza Strip from his Girard home Saturday afternoon, something he says he now does 24-7.
He said his brothers, Nabiel and Sam Zahkaria, still live in Gaza in the town of Beit Lahia. Kassis said he is able to communicate with Nabiel, who has a cellular phone. But he has not heard from Sam, whose land line was cut shortly after Israel began their attacks just before the New Year for what they said was retaliation of rocket attacks by the terrorist group Hamas.
And without any knowledge of where his brother may be, all he can do is pray.
''We don't really know where he is,'' said Kassis, a member of St. Mark's Orthodox Church in Liberty, noting that Sam and Nabiel live only 10 minutes apart. ''We just pray for his safety and his kids' safety.''
After several days of aerial bombardment, ground troops of the Israeli Defense Forces moved into the Gaza Strip Saturday. The Israelis have taken some criticism because of the high number of civilian attacks and casualties.
Kassis said he had been talking to his brother Nabiel moments before he sat down with a reporter Saturday. He said his brother told him about sheltering from attacks in a mosque, but the Israelis have been targeting them, Kassis said he was told
''He said the bombardment is everywhere,'' Kassis said. ''They're shooting at everybody.''
Kassis said he wants the U.S. government to pressure the United Nations to force Israel to accept resolutions to end the occupation of the territory he calls Palestine by the Israelis and resolutions calling for a separate Palestinian state.
He said the attack is not a surprise because he reasons the Israelis could do it now and not suffer severe consequences because of the transition between President Bush and Barack Obama, who will take office next month.
He said the ferocity of the attack is a tactic by the Israelis to scare the civilian population into fleeing so they can go after members of Hamas who stay behind to fight.
Still, Kassis said there is a chance for peace, if the Israelis allow the Palestinians to have their land back.
''They could live in peace with each other,'' Kassis said. However, he said what he terms the occupation of Palestinian land will make the problem worse.
''As long as there is occupation to the land, then violence will breed violence,'' Kassis said.
Despite the years of bloodshed, it is possible for both groups to live together, he believes.
''Arabs in general are good-hearted people, and they will forgive,'' Kassis said. ''Forgiveness is their trait.''
Kassis said he sees younger Arab Americans getting involved and learning about affairs in the Middle East.
''They think, that as the world has evolved, that we shouldn't have wars,'' Kassis said.
