Jewish Americans hoard guns over safety concerns.
Jewish Americans Increasingly Purchasing Firearms for Safety Amid Middle East Conflict
In the aftermath of the Hamas attack, Jews in the United States are turning to firearms for protection, expressing concerns about their safety during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“We’ve definitely seen a tremendous increase in religious Jewish people, Orthodox people, purchasing firearms,” said David Kowalsky, owner of Florida Gun Store in Hollywood, Florida. He added, “I’ve seen a surge in interest in individual training as well as group training.”
Local synagogues have reached out to Kowalsky to conduct gun training seminars and shooting sessions, attracting mostly newcomers to firearms.
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According to Kowalsky, these individuals are mostly mothers and teachers who have never interacted with firearms before. He explained, “There’s a safety concern. I think people are nervous about what’s going on and what can happen.”
This growing interest in gun ownership among Jewish Americans contradicts the community’s historical stance, which has typically viewed gun ownership as taboo. Orthodox rabbi Hank Sheinkopf stated, “The majority of Jews in the country historically have been liberal on the left, pro-gun reform, pro-gun control, opposed to personal gun ownership.”
However, Sheinkopf acknowledged that the perception of the United States as the ”one place in the world where Jews are safe” is changing. He said, “Jews with guns were always seen as an odd event. But now, the view is coming to an end.”
Anti-Jewish Crimes
According to FBI data, there were over 1,300 anti-Jewish hate crimes in the United States in 2022.
Brian Levin, director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism, noted that anti-Jewish hate crimes tend to increase during violent Israeli-Palestinian clashes. For example, in October 2000, hate crimes against Jews in America spiked after violent protests occurred in Arab villages in Israel.
Recent incidents include the spread of anti-Jewish propaganda through flyers in California and a vandalism case at a synagogue in Fresno. In Montreal, Canada, police have received reports of 12 anti-Jewish hate crimes since October 7.
Despite these threats, Julie Platt, chair of the Jewish Federations of North America, emphasized the importance of not giving in to fear. She stated, “As long as I hear of no credible threats, I believe we should live our Jewish lives.”
Gun Ownership Among the Religious
An analysis by Ryan Burge, research director at Faith Counts, revealed that Jews have one of the lowest rates of gun ownership in the United States. Only 11 percent of Jews own firearms, placing them third from the bottom among 16 religious categories. In contrast, white evangelicals have the highest gun ownership rate at 33 percent.
David Prince, owner of Eagle Gun Range in Texas, reported a 300 percent increase in demand following the Hamas attack. He shared, ”The people coming in and saying they are scared for their lives, because of their religion they are expecting to be attacked.”
According to firearms reporter and gun safety instructor Stephen Gutowski, the most sought-after gun for home defense among American Jews after the October 7th attacks is the AR-15.
How has the ongoing conflict in the Middle East impacted the safety concerns of Jewish Americans?
Es has evolved in recent years, with an increase in anti-Semitic incidents and violence. He explained, ”Unfortunately, anti-Semitism has gotten worse in certain places, and it’s moved many Jewish people to say, ‘I want to protect myself.’”
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has further heightened these concerns. The recent clash between Hamas and Israel has sparked a wave of anti-Semitic attacks, not only in the Middle East but also across the globe. With synagogues and Jewish community centers being targeted, Jewish Americans are feeling a direct threat to their safety and are taking measures to protect themselves.
In addition to seeking gun training, some Jewish Americans have also chosen to obtain concealed carry permits. This allows them to legally carry a firearm for self-defense in public places. While these measures may provide a sense of security, there are also potential risks and challenges associated with firearms.
Gun ownership and usage require responsible training, not only to ensure personal safety but also to prevent accidents or misuse. The interest in firearms among Jewish Americans has prompted organizations and community leaders to provide training programs specifically tailored to this demographic.
The rise in Jewish Americans purchasing firearms is also reflective of a broader trend seen among various demographic groups in the United States. The ongoing debate on gun control has created a polarized atmosphere, with some advocating for stricter regulations while others emphasize the right to bear arms.
While the reasons for obtaining firearms may vary, be it for protection or a belief in the inherent right to self-defense, the issue calls for a careful and nuanced approach. It is essential to foster open and respectful dialogue, addressing the concerns of all parties involved.
In conclusion, the increase in Jewish Americans purchasing firearms for safety during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is a notable shift from the community’s historical stance on gun ownership. The rising anti-Semitism and threats faced by Jewish Americans have pushed many individuals to seek self-defense options. However, it is crucial to approach this issue with a balanced perspective, emphasizing responsible gun ownership and the need for comprehensive training programs. Ultimately, the goal should be to ensure the safety and security of all individuals while fostering understanding and tolerance among diverse communities.
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