Deborah Levison, 59, of Trumbull, spent six years working for the Israeli consulate and has traveled extensively throughout Israel.

Levison says following the Hamas attacks, she has been in around-the-clock communication with close friends in Israel who are hiding and scared for their lives.

"These were staggering numbers to try to absorb, more than any other single day since the Holocaust," said Levison.

Levison is a New York Times Best Seller author who's written extensively about the Holocaust, including a very personal narrative about her parents who survived it.

She says her background has given her a deep hope for achieving peace in Israel.

Levison says what happens in the days ahead of the Israel-Hamas war could have a direct impact on every Connecticut resident.