The Baker and the Grocer: Stories of the Israel-Hamas War

Two men. Both 48 years old, small-business owners in the food industry, and fathers of six children whose families’ respective ancestral lands are separated by just 90 miles. On the surface, Philadelphia-area residents Israel Roling and Ray Mustafa share many commonalities. Israel, however, is ultra-Jewish Orthodox. Ray is a Palestinian Muslim. Their stances on the Israel - Hamas War couldn’t be farther apart. But when it comes to the ripple effects of the October 7th terror attack, striking parallels between Israel and Ray begin to resurface. From family origin stories to generational trauma and coping tactics, KYW Newsradio’s Carol MacKenzie goes beyond the protests to explore how a baker and a grocer with dramatically divergent perspectives are connected by an international conflict.