A local family with ties to Israel spoke to News 12 Connecticut about the violence ripping through parts of Gaza.

Stanley Block, of Stamford, is currently serving in the Israeli army. His father Stephen says he spoke to Stanley last Thursday morning. Stephen says the conversation was brief and it was to alert him that Stanley, 18, was entering danger.

Block says no news is good news, but he can't help but worry about Stanley.

As the fighting continues and death toll rises, Block says he hopes a cease-fire is called soon. He also says there are a lot of community members with ties to Israel.

There will be a rally at the Jewish Community Center in Stamford on Wednesday to discuss safety abroad and overall peace talks in the region.