Dostoevsky Was an Antisemite. I Still Think You Should Read Him
6 min read
4 min read
5 min read
5 min read
I’m no Rambo. I am fulfilling my responsibility to protect my family and my community.
I never had anything to do with guns. They weren't on the radar.
All that changed two years ago when the United States Supreme Court ruled that individual states could not restrict individual citizens' right to carry guns. Maybe it was the "forbidden fruit" opportunity to do something which my deep-blue state had kept me from doing for so many years, or maybe I had an unconscious foreboding of what was to come, but I soon found myself sitting in a concealed carry gun class, listening to an Israeli expat tell us all about when we could draw our weapons.
I barely passed the course which included a trip to a local gun range, but soon enough, I had my permit. Shortly afterwards, a small Glock semi-automatic, with a matching "tuckable" holster, found itself occasionally on my hip. Ongoing visits to the firing range improved my accuracy. (I don’t think I'll ever be a sharpshooter.)
Mentioning my accomplishment to a few friends at shul revealed an interest to start a concealed carry group. We went to our Rabbi, who, much to my surprise, gave the project his okay. Within a month, a dozen members were sitting in the shul's social hall watching PowerPoint presentations at a concealed carry class led by the owner of the security company.
With the rise of antisemitic attacks on US communities, our concealed carry group went from a casual club into an integral part of shul life.
We had rounds of tactical drills in the back of the shul, pointing colorful plastic guns at an “intruder”, yelling, "Get on the ground!" Everyone had fun.
Every few weeks, I texted out a list of who would sit in the back of the shul on a given Shabbat morning. All was quiet.
Then came October 7.
Our security guard took some of us aside that morning and told us that the news apps were full of terrible things happening in Israel, with thousands of people under fire, and hundreds of hostages taken captive.
It seemed unreal and far away, until that night which was Simchat Torah. As we were walking over to the Sephardi shul next door to dance together in a beautiful show of unity, a car slowed down, driving as close as it could, blaring loud Arab music. Then it drove off, but we had gotten the message. They know where we are.
With the rise of antisemitic attacks on US communities, our concealed carry group went from a casual club into an integral part of shul life. Every member is now expected to carry at all shul events, from weekday and Shabbat services to bar mitzvahs and Torah classes. Even off-duty members are armed and ready to jump in if needed.
But as things intensified, I started sensing misgivings. What is this hard-metal thing doing under my shirt, in my house? The years of hearing politicians blame "those guns on the street" for the crime surges came back to haunt me. And the pro-gun community was no refuge; I received magazines and emails from the gun-carrying world, full of advertisements showing either ex-military commandos showing off their latest "get 'em all" gadgets, or happy tough guys in plaid shirts showing off their shotguns. Totally foreign material.
Neither side felt right. I needed an entirely new way to look at carrying a gun, so I went to my Rabbi for guidance and we entered this uncharted territory together.
“Whenever you are carrying a gun,” he advised me, “you are fulfilling several mitzvot, commandments. ‘Guard your life’ by protecting yourself, and ‘love your neighbor’ for protecting others. You’re not a Rambo. You’re a Jew engaged in doing important mitzvot.”
Suddenly, my little hobby began to take on greater significance. I realized that I was doing my duty in putting in the necessary effort to protect our community. The rest was in God’s Hands.
At the end of the day I say a quiet prayer of thanks that my Glock stayed right where I had put it that morning. The best day is a quiet day.
Now my Glock is on my hip, from 6:30 am before morning services, until 10:30 pm, after evening services. When I learn with my study partners, when I am shopping at the kosher grocery store, when I attend lectures from visiting rabbis, when I visit friends and family - I am carrying. They have no idea that I am protecting them, as well as myself, as it rests under my clothing.
At the end of the day I say a quiet prayer of thanks that my Glock stayed right where I had put it that morning. The best day is a quiet day.
Carrying a gun is certainly not for everyone. I can totally relate not wanting to get near a gun. It took a lot of work for me to get to this place. Even though I long for the days when I could simply enter shul without having to walk through a thick metal fence and punch in a code, this is the current reality we living in, and I am grateful for doing my part.
We are in our bodies courtesy of the Lord. We have an obligation, a duty, to take care of our bodies. If we allow our bodies to become disabled, or worse, murdered, we have reneged on our obligation to the Almighty to take responsibility for our bodies. The Founding Fathers understood that the right of self-defense was G-d given, hence, the Second Amendment. In those days, carrying a firearm was considered not only as a right, but as a duty. You were expected to provide for your own protection, and an obligation to defend your community.
Do you have families? Do not your families have a right to be protected?
Defending yourselves, your families and your community should not even be a subject that needs to be discussed. Firearms are the best, most effective tool for defense.
I'd like to see a halachic ruling that allows, for pikuach nefesh reasons, shul security team members to communicate electronically in case of trouble.
There is such a heter; we use it every shabbos and yom tov in our shul to use radios and emergency buttons for locking the door and calling PD.
This all begs the question about the wisdom of the strict gun laws in Israel. Anyone who passes the requisite background check and training should be able to carry.
This isn't Israel, it's the U.S. of A., and our Founding Fathers set no requirements of any sort for the right to keep and bear arms. They were wise men.
There is no rational or reasonable halachic argument to prohibit the possession or carry of firearms.
Comparisons with a dangerous animal are flat wrong -- a firearm isn't an animal, it is an inanimate object.
However, owning and carrying a firearm comes with responsibilities -- training, safe storage, and responsible use. If you choose to own or to own and carry, get yourself trained. Obtain safe storage (a handgun should be on your person or secured, never left out), and practice regularly, and mentally walk through how you will decide to use a gun.
Furthermore, learn the differences in what handguns and long arms are used for. Many tactical trainers will tell you that a handgun's purpose is to protect yourself so you can retrieve your rifle.
Every Jew a 7.62.
7.62?
Look it up. It's a .30 caliber round used by both NATO and the Warsaw Pact countries.
The Nazis( may their name be erased) took away the right for Jews to have guns, so according to history the 2nd Amendment to bare arms is important especially if you are a Jew, to fight back haters and self defense, both are self defense issues here
My Father Z'L" was an officer in the Palmach in 1948 and his area of responsibility was small arms trading for civilians and enlisted personnel...
I am licensed in Canada for rifles and handguns and I have both.. I practice at a range and I take accurate shot placement extremely seriously.. I hit exactly what I aim at with both long and short guns.. Because of the laws in Canada I can not concealed carry to shul. I can have a rifle with me and I do so in accordance with the law.. When I go to shul the gun comes with me... If G-d forbid there is a reason to use it - I will use it.. When we recite daily prayers I add one more - that I should not have to use the gun that day..
I have taken my Rabbi and his Son's to the range with me...
This is a Jewish, pro-gun, pro-self-defense organization in the States:
https://jpfo.org/
They have a lot of useful information.
our Chabad rabbi in Portland, Oregon disbanded our "carrying" members and is paying for a full time guard instead
That's unfortunate, IMHO. Do we really think that someone getting paid a low hourly wage will be willing to put his life on the line, under live fire, for us?
Even off duty police officers guarding shuls is worrisome. I’m a firearms instructor and a competitive shooter. When the officers come to our competitions most don’t return because the are embarrassed the old men like me are better shooters. They, for the most part, don’t train regularly. Statistics show that they only have a 20-30% hit rate in critical situations.
So with that in mind you must have your carrying members train and pass strict qualifying test
Just remember,Guns are dangeourus,allways be careful,and think twice before anything else.Killing is Not a fun game.It's never an easy thing to do.Remember,you have to live with it the rest of your life.Shalom.
It sure beats the alternative - being a murder victim.
Every Jewish home should have firearms. When the mob comes for you, thanks to the millions of undocumented people let in by the current administration which includes more than a few jihadists, you will need something to defend yourself with. This will include The more accurate rifles and tactical home defense shotguns. The cops are not required to answer your distress call. Look it up. They also arrive on time to count the bodies, not save you.
You have a God given Constitutional right to defend yourself. Stop making the Christian boys do the job for you, because that’s what you’re doing. Defend yourself. Learn the laws and follow them. Become a member of USCCA to get training and insurance. It’s a great day to
It is hard for me to believe that Jewish People will actively protect themselves or others in this vile anti semitic world that we all live in. Jewish People are basically cowards when it comes to protecting themselves. Just look at the massive numbers of Jews who live in New York City witnessing the anti semitism on the Columbia University campus and who prefer to sit at home minding their own business rather then going out and confronting these vile people.
They're not cowards; they're just not used to self-defense. Those who come from Europe have 'shetl" mentalites, a philosophy which says: "Keep your head down and hope for the best."
If you fought back, soldiers would come and wipe out your entire village. This stuff goes deep and will take more generations to be replaced by healthy self-preservation.
Excellent article! Keep it up!
...but get an editor: your last sentence "...this is the current reality we (should be ARE) facing ....
Jeff Cooper, a famous writer and practitioner of all things firearms wrote that "The best gunfight you will ever have is the one you didn't."
I have held a TX carry permit for 20+ years and taken a variety of courses to improve my skills with handguns and long guns.
Self-defense is an individual human right that government shall not infringe, to rephrase the Second Amendment slightly. The individual is the basis of the 2A militia, that forms when the threat needs more than one person or an uncoordinated response.
Evil is, and It will go wherever it wants. There is no such thing as a "safe place". We been places where we were safe at the time, but yesterday is gone, tomorrow can be different. I don't promote paranoia. Be alert, prepared.
Yashar Koach!
remember Psalm 144:1
on my OWB holster
We have two "carriers" in our family, one in Israel & one in America.
If the author is monitoring these comments, please reach out to me... [email protected]. Thank you!
Use [email protected]
I'm surprised to see this article on Aish (on the homepage!) without any caveats. While guns are indeed becoming more common in some Jewish communities, what this article fails to address is gun safety.
Far more people are injured, killed or die by suicide from gun ownership. I'm far more concerned about Jewish "Rambos" with limited training making knee-jerk reactions to perceived threats than confident that a citizen militia can actually save lives.
People successfully defend themselves with guns in less than 1% of crimes in which there is contact between a perpetrator and a victim. in fact, research shows that carrying a gun may increase a victim’s risk of injury when a crime is committed.
Wendy ---- These are challenging times; there are no safe space for Jews worldwide. Everyone with a gun must be quick, agile and on target. They must access the situation and be prepared and not fearful to shoot the enemy. Every second counts when facing evil ..... and all Jews must not hesitate to strike back. No one should think Jews are easy targets. Sure mistakes will happen but I rather know when faced with evil that someone may intervene.
correction --- assess the situation
Wendy - I don't think that Aish intended to take a particular side on the issue of private citizens carrying handguns. Rather, the thrust of the article seems to be that Shmuel Feld found himself in a dilemma: feeling cognitive dissonance, from a new role as a gun carrying citizen that conflicted with his gun-less upbringing. Not finding satisfactory answers from either the left wing ("Guns are bad!"), nor the right wing (Guns are great!), he turned to the Torah, which is defined as "Instructions for Living," and found an answer that resolved his dilemma.
As far as your concerns about gun safety, they are legitimate questions, and I hope to address them later today.
👏👏👏 yes.
The right does not say guns are great. The right says the constitution includes ownership as an individual right under the second amendment. One that cannot be granted by the government at it’s whim. The right is not granted from the government the right rest with the citizen, like every other one of the rights in the constitution. In fact, I will say that the second amendment is what allows all the other rights to exist. The founding fathers had just thrown off the yolk of a despotic government that could control the citizens because they could not defend themselves.
Wendy, time to address the issues of gun safety to you raise. You start with "Far more people are injured, killed, or die from gun ownership."...Than what? Are you referring to the millions of illegally owned guns? Absolutely those should be taken away.
You then voice a concern about Jewish "Rambo's." Again, I also 100% agree with you. Our shul chose its concealed carry group by looking specifically for "Type B" personalities, people who think before acting. (We turned one down, because he seemed too gung-ho.) Then we trained them thoroughly in the performance of their duties, ensuring that they knew precisely what to do in given situations. Ongoing training is a must, as well.
You cite research and statistics in your last paragraph, without sources, so I cannot comment on them.
Type B people like the Uvalde police? Type A people react under pressure, Type B people pontificate. You have to be a little crazy to risk your life for others. That’s a good crazy.
My temple is run by type Bs. They don’t allow CCW. I fear for my grandchildren in Sunday school.
How many terrorist attacks have been thwarted since Oct 7th in Israel, Wendy? I shudder to think of what would have happened if people there weren't carrying
And BEFORE Oct 7th! The Mercaz HaRav Massacre of 7 yeshiva students was ended by a private citizen shooting the terrorist. Some time later, the COUSIN of that citizen ALSO shot a terrorist who decided to use his massive tractor to kill Jews.
Well said! And so very true!
Wendy, the FIRST thing Nazis did when entering a Jewish town or such was to order all Jews to turn over their weapons. Soon after, they demanded payment. Soon after, they were forced onto trains. Before 1948, an Arab mob invaded Meah She'arim. Now dayan, 17 year old Rabbi Fisher & another Jewish youth, marched head on into the mob & shot the Arab leader DEAD. The mob then fled. The Kishinev Pogrom could happen ONLY because Jews were largely unarmed (the armed Jews caused attackers to flee). Yes, GUNS ARE SCARY! Pogroms are even scarier.
You are looking at the wrong research. Over 1 million times per year having a firearm saves lives. Only a small percentage of the time does the person have to fire it. The criminal is looking for an easy victim and once showed that person is armed they will look for someone else. But carrying a gun requires training and ongoing practice
Actually, the number is about 2 million times a year and the research was done by John R Lott
Correct.
Wrong. The vast majority of guns used in self defense go under reported. And no, increased risk comes from being defenseless. Moreover, it is the individuals duty to be responsible for their own self defense. Individuals can make their own choices as to how to effect that defense. But your numbers dont change the rights or the G@d given rights and responsibilities to protect life. This includes firearms in todays world and since before we were all born. The Rabbi knew this and supported the safety training. Safety and personal observations about the state of the world were clearly included in the article. Dont like guns? Dont buy one. Others choose differently. Never again means nothing if self defense is frowned upon or denied because of Statistics. All Jews capable of Self defense, act.
You facts are incorrect. Guns save many more lives. And 1% is wrong per the FBI stats. Mitzvot are Mitzvot. Your opinion is yours. All jews able to safely carry should carry. And safety was mentioned although not the point of the article. The class? Instruction? Thats the safety part. And armed jews keep jews alive everyday in Israel and other places Jews congregate. Its part of being RESPO SIBLE.
Wendy, this is not true. Blatantly not true and the statistics support that statement. Carefully read the documents stating this. In actuality statistics show that approximately 2 million times a year CCW handguns are used to stop crime without ever even firing a shot.
You aren’t more likely to die or risk injury if you have a handgun during a crime according to The FBI statistics.
Another interesting bastardization of the actual facts is the more recent proclamation that the #1 cause of death in children is guns. But look at who they define his children (that no one else does) - people that have not reached the age of 19. 18 yo is an adult in every other study. they include those involved in gang violence. When you remove those age 18 and over and gang activity, it is far from #1.
Bravo Sierra.
What took you so long?
https://vinnews.com/2024/03/18/religious-women-in-territories-armor-up/
In Israel, a flood of applications for gun permits. Women who could never imagine taking up arms, are arming.
American Jews must take full advantage of the Second Amendment.
I should like to see the establishment of militias composed entirely of Jewish men to protect Jewish communities.
Robert, these synagogue groups are in effect militias, protecting Jewish communities.
Then let's form a lot more of them, for every shul and day school at the very least.
GANTZ DISARMED MILITIAS on the Gaza border, saying it was enough the army was armed & would protect everyone. ALL successful rescues on Oct 7 during the 1st 7 hours were due to PRIVATE citizens having PRIVATE weapons.
I am a Jewish woman who does not leave my house without my pistol. I go to schul with it and sit in a strategic location. Schul members are not pleased, but they will if I ever need to use it to protect them.
Darn straight!
I certainly hope you have the rabbi’s permission to do that. Otherwise you’re breaking the law. Houses of worship are gun free zones unless there’s permission.
As for everyone knowing that you are armed, if someone ever enters the building people will be asking you to “do something” making you their first target. Not smart.
I stopped donating too to various things .
I am commending you for your courage to protect our people!& I would like to take lessons
Susan, There may be like-minded Jewish women already in your community. Also check the USCCA website for local instructors. They have posted many videos on YouTube and have become more attentive to women's carrying, as that is the fastest growing segment. Hatzlocha, and may we never need to use our weapons!
true dat
I grew up with guns, and own many. I've practiced with them most of my life, but, living in the People's Republic of Maryland, I've never had the opportunity/drive/need to concealed carry. Even now, with the laws somewhat relaxed, it seems too much trouble to go through the legal hoops and the increased costs of getting a concealed carry license.
Izzy, as someone who jumped through those hoops to get a Maryland concealed carry permit, I'll ask you to just remember - in the end, those wokey-pokey super-duper liberals have to listen to the US Government, respect your 2nd Amendment rights, and give you that license. And precisely because so many have been discouraged, the bad guys are that much more emboldened - we need you!
Getting killed is even more expensive! The LEFT WANTS you to be discourage from owning a gun! DON'T LET THEM WIN!
Good
A few points to consider...
Tzvi, look at Mishna Brura, Siman 151, sk22, where he says that weapons are allowed in a shul, so long as they are not out in the open.
All of your points are well made. Owning and concealing a gun is for one reason only (unless, like me, you live in a rural area where hunting is permitted): SELF DEFENSE. As a woman, and for all, legal concealment is necessary for self-defense (Virginia is an open carry state but seeing guns can scare people and cause a ruckus). Hunters here introduce their children to “guns for hunting” at a young age and happily, we don’t have children shooting others due to owner irresponsibility/neglect of the dangers of this weapon. Lastly, most conceal carry course providers cover your points as well as offer training in the firing, cleaning and best concealment and storage options.
always tell police " I felt my life was in danger, he was going to kill me" say nothing more. ask to talk with your attorney. police will try to find grounds to arrest you. never say you are sorry-that implies guilt, not self defense.
Consider 38 SP101 Ruger 5 shot revolver, unlike semi automatics, it does not jam; it does not have to be racked in order to fire. in the stress of self defense shooting it is easy for inexperienced to pull trigger over and over and not be able to fire because they forgot to rack gun. carry 2nd 38 backup. If the bulge of your gun shows, that it a clear message to predators not to mess with you. Boruch Hashem.
Never talk to the police, the lawyer does that
Exactly. The keywords are, "I invoke my right to council, and I invoke my right to silence."
Or even, "You'll have to discuss that with my lawyer."
R' Asher Weiss, a leading halachic rabbi believes that if you own a gun and know how to use it, you are obligated to bring it to shul and carry it wherever you go.
You write, "I am assuming / hoping that those who now "carry" have taken the appropriate precautions at home to minimize as much as possible the tragic sort of "accidents" have happened in one's home."
What "tragic sort of "accidents" have "happened in one's home"? Have they happened in your home? My children grew up in a house full of firearms, with parents who shoot enthusiastically for sport, but no firearm-related accidents have ever happened in our house. Nor have they happened in our now-grown children's houses.
However, you appear to be prone to "tragic sorts of accidents" regarding usage of the English language. Your license to write is hereby revoked.
Great article thank you for sharing. It is so important in our time now in America to be properly trained and to protect our families and community.
One more thought re: guns. Imo certain individuals should not be allowed to own them. This blog addresses common sense usage and proper training. I would not want a gun to be in the hands of a person with an explosive hair trigger temper. As always, I thank the aish writers and commenters for getting me to think!
I understand the choice of title, “Nice Jewish Boy” being a meme of sorts. Nonetheless, I was afraid it was going to be a macho defense of men packing heat.
I am happy to see that you have a sensible reason for training and owning a gun. I am also glad that you addressed the subculture that treats a collection of firearms as some kind of fashion, if not idolatry.
Finally, you’re a grown man, and both parents have the obligation to protect their family. That doesn’t mean they both have to do so in the same way (I am disabled and would probably shoot myself in the foot). Thank you for a serious discussion of balancing the needs and risks, as well as the halachic implications of gun ownership. Be careful out there.
IWI Masada Slim: the compact version of the Masada. It uses Jericho-style magazines. The grip is not too much shorter than the regular Masada’s; this is not a micro compact pistol, and is more along the lines of a Glock 19 frame with a Glock 26 slide.
I am seventy -five years old (actually, on Purim) and at the end of 2023 I took a sixteen hour course in order to qualify for a concealed-carry permit (CCA). Before that point in time, I had no interest in guns and had never fired a handgun in my life. But times change and I feel strongly that we must try our best to protect ourselves, our families, and our community. I have since acquired my HQL (permit to purchase) and will purchase a small Glock and hide-away holster soon. Turns out, at our qualifying shooting test, my shots were very, very accurate (I am an artist by profession and have a very good eye and a very steady hand ;-). In our Baltimore shuls, many many members carry (men and woman alike), and we have all been schooled on the do's and don't's of carrying and using weapons.
https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/gun-ownership-a-shift-in-american-jewish-thought/
I secretly carried in our shul. No one knew. Later on I told our rabbi and to my surprise I learned that he too had a concealed carry permit. Also I learned that others also carried even some ladies.
Remember the wall builders in Jerusalem under the command of
Nehemiah were told to have a sword while building wall. We are now in a time like that.
It is not only men who are performing this mitzvah. I am a woman and a member of our shul's Shomrim, members who all carry concealed and consider ourselves "on-duty" at all times when at the shul. We formed the group a number of years ago, before the attacks at Poway and the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. It is important to have someone carrying on our side of the mechitza, too!
It is important for women to carry and be willing to use firearms, especially in places where their children are with them, such as on our side of the mechitza. People who want to wipe out the Holy Nation would be happy to start with young mothers and their children, who are the foundation of our nation. We also ought to consider arming preschool and elementary school teachers for similar reasons, though that might be a lot more difficult to implement because of political issues.
May the Almighty bless you and your fellow Shomrim, and may you never have to fire a shot in anger. As the saying goes, the best weapon is the one you never have to use.
Reality is staring the Jewish people worldwide and it's high time for Jews to be proactive and prepared for all eventualities. Jewish communities must organize self-defense initiatives be they qualified, licensed armed civilian cadres as martial arts (krav maga) instruction. Weakness and trembling knees syndrome only invite aggression - the projection of strength is effective deterrence.
I am Jewish and have concealed carry. I have been carrying for years. I was in law enforcement for 20 years. Better to have it and not use it. But it will save your life if need be. Best thing is to always keep a watch on your surroundings and who is around you. Avoid certain areas and certain people who might do you harm.
Thank you for protecting עם ישראל
god is protecting עם ישרא
I’m a Vietnam veteran and pretty much considered an expert shooter and I’m glad to read this article as more Jewish people both men and women need to start carrying firearms and learn how to use them
My old shul had a group called the ShalaShooters.
I remember them -- and you -- well, Al. Best wishes from Pittsburgh.
I enjoyed reading this article! I appreciate knowing that someone is carrying what could be the difference between my life and death. It's scary out there and never again truly is right now. I like every other person of proud Jewish decent just can't comprehend how this is happening again in our time.
Why should it not be happening in our time? Anti-Semitism is the eternal hatred of the eternal Nation. As long as there are Jews, there will be anti-Semites. We simply must know how to protect ourselves from them.
In the UK carrying or owning handguns is illegal and I would never contemplate carrying one. But anti-Semitic incidents have increased and we all have to be on our guard in different ways
Fellow Brit here and I have to agree. I don't think I could ever reconcile with owning, carrying or using a gun, and I am incredibly thankful to live in a country where it is not the norm. I appreciate this article, though, and fully sympathise with the author feeling at odds with the larger second amendment rights "community". I truly hope that we can soon achieve a degree of peace so that people are no longer forced to grapple with their personal convictions about guns versus feeling unsafe and threatened in their own communities.
“From January to June 2024, the Community Security Trust (CST) recorded reports of 1,978 anti-Jewish hate incidents, up from 964 in the first half of 2023.“
It’s odd that the British didn’t learn the Never Again lesson. I thank God every day that I live in the USA.
'Never Again' is happening again. While everything is clearly determined by the One above, it's our responsibility to protect ourselves by any/every means possible. Don't naively expect the 'government' will defend you against the outraged masses. At 71, I'm hardwired to embrace 'no more yellow stars or cattle cars.'
Check it out--"Before All Hell Breaks Loose"
‘Before all hell breaks loose’ - JNS.org.pdf
Did Jews on October 7 fare better when yhey were carrying guns? So many armed soldiers were ruthlessly slaughtered guns ir no guns.Sk many civilians had to find of guerilla style fighters with almost ineffective pistols.I suspect carrying a Glock is a help psychologically.Little more.Maybe taking on extra zechusim as a protection might be as (or more) powerful.
Respectfully, Like tools, different weapons have different applications. I agree handguns have limited application but in our environment they are useful. It is said 'When seconds matter, police are only minutes away.'
In our village in northern Israel, I went to the levaya of the son of parents who live by us. Their son was found dead in the south in one of the yeshuvim with his rifle by his side... and no ammunition. He had used up all of his ammo trying to keep alive and then... that was the end for him.
It is unfortunate that I, as a civilian, am only allowed 50 rounds of ammo with my gun. If we are ever attacked by a mob that comes close to what happened in the south, I'm not sure how long we could defend ourselves. The good news is that my wife has her gun and her 50 rounds.
The gun laws in Israel are suicidal. Or more like democidal. They hark back to the days of Israel's founding -- by socialists who did not trust the citizens. You, the citizens of Israel, need to convince your government to stop treating you as if you are a threat to elected officials, and to start understanding that they work for you, not the other way around.
E.R., did you see the videos of terrified kibbutzniks, cowering in their "safe rooms," (Hah!) as the terrorists murdered, raped, and kidnapped them? They thought they didn't need guns, they were safe, that the IDF would protect them...they were so wrong. And the Nova concertgoers weren't allowed to carry...see what happened!
I thought safe rooms were meant to protect against missiles, not terrorists inside the house.
Rachel, Exactly. I can't blame them, as the entire IDF and politicians were caught totally unprepared for this kind of attack. However, we can learn from October 7 and be ready for such an attack - especially since so many violent attacks upon Jews have already happened, worldwide.
Brother in Arms said they would not show up for war. They kept their promise. Oct 7 wasn't about "preparation," it was about betrayal.
I'm a big fan of the "merits are what really makes a difference" approach, and that that's the effort that I personally focus on. But there also need to be people with guns. Every individual can ask themselves if they should be that person. I live in Beitar Illit, a chareidi city in Israel, and there are plenty of guns to be seen - both pistols and rifles - by locals and visitors, by security forces and by armed civilians, even on Shabbos.
One could debate the dangers in Israel vs. America, but the basic point still stands.
Good on you. To quote Jabotinsky “Jews learn to shoot” and “Better to have a gun and not need it than to need a gun and not have it”. I grew up in a Betar household. Shooting from before bar mitzvah to today. I am one of many Jewish firearms dealers in America. Never thought I would see this level of Jew hatred in America but now I am old and seeing this makes me question everything. There are no impediments in American society for us we can be armed own anything legal not be Dhimmi not pay the jizya.
Ultimately we as Jews can not depend on any government---especially that of the present US regime---caught up in the insanity of intersectionality and victim vs oppressor mentality to be our bodyguard. We are thorns in the side of socialism and islamism: We believe in the soul of the individual and refuse to be crushed by forces that want us all ground down into a plebeian dust. We believe in Life and in the Joy of living, with all the responsibilities attached to that life and the living of it.
One responsibility we have is to be the lion when necessary. The days of being sheep are over!!!
I think you are much mistaken in your assertion that we cannot depend on what you call “the present US regime.” While ultimately we are all in Hashem’s hands, we have a a variety of governmental agencies at the local, state and federal level charged with protecting the public. We have not suffered a subsequent attack similar to 9/11/2001. Most peace officers do their jobs diligently. I realize that law enforcement can make mistakes, also that there are instances where they are unable to get there in time. But in general we can expect equal protection under law in this country. Blame rests solely with criminals and terrorists, not law enforcement nor our government.
Rachel, in light of the Biden administration's refusal to allow Israel to take the last Hamas outpost, Rafah, until Israel makes major concessions (e.g. Bibi steps down, all the Gazans get food packages, etc) and in Biden's, Schumer's and other officials' incendiary remarks equating Israel with Hamas for blame, do you still have faith in the American government? The USA government does what's in its interest, which here does not dovetail with Israel's desires to destroy Hamas permanently and rescue all the hostages. And police, especially in blue cities, have been hampered by soft-on-crime prosecutors and the woke mob. Certainly we are in Hashem's loving hands, but that does not preclude us from making appropriate effort to guard ourselves and our community.
Re: Schumer. He spoke at the DC rally in November and I did not hear him make any incendiary remarks.
I am referring to his speech last week, calling Netanyahu an obstacle to peace, and demanding new elections. His remarks have been condemned for interfering in another government's domestic affairs and stopping Israel from winning the war, as new elections mean that Israel's government would be in paralyzed for six months.
Since then, Schumer's called for the democratically-elected head of the State of Israel to doing Biden's bidding & quit.
Since you wrote this, universities banned police from doing their job to protect citizens, Jewish, from being harrassed, or worse, on many campuses around America.
Appreciate your generosity to your shul and community. You have a gift you seem to use properly. Thanks
However it manifests, we must advocate for ourselves; when push comes to shove, no one else will.
Before Oct 7 occurred I would have said I could never have anything to do with guns. This article just changed my thinking. On the other hand, we lost a family member to suicide by gun violence, which is why I am posting anonymously. If I were ever to become a gun owner I would take this responsibility as seriously as it deserves to be taken.
A digestible "Mitzvot", nice guy!
I suppose the family member who died by suicide was pretty serious too.It wasn't the gun that was the problem there ,it was the intent behind it.And as we have not stood in their shoes we do not judge people who commit suicide.I'm sorry you suffered a loss in that way.
Yes, the intent certainly WAS the problem. Thank you to everyone who responded to my post.
First, I am so sorry you know the pain of losing somone that way. Please try to remember the good of them. Be blessed by their memory! I am so glad to know that you are open enough to think of the posibilty in todays reality of the probability of having to protect yourself &loved ones. I am incredibly proud of the fact you recognise the responsibility that comes with that! However you choose to protect yourself and others please let that recognition of responsibility guide you! Yes I am a bubby who has carried for years, been in jeapordy a few times& have never had to go to my last resort! My weapon is my last resort.Thank G-d! No, owning a weapon is not the only way to protect.Most important, however you choose, be comfortable. Be you!