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Three years after Oct. 7, some US Jews want to carry guns to synagogue
Confirmed
In Short: Three years after the Oct. 7 attack, some US Jews are seeking gun permits and calling for armed protection at synagogues.
The mother of a family seeking security measures, who asked to remain anonymous, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, “It’s unfortunately just a different world today than it was.” She noted the surge in applications for gun permits in areas with significant Jewish populations, fueled by a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that struck down New York’s strict gun laws.
Lizzy Savetsky, a right-wing pro-Israel influencer with nearly 500,000 followers, has also called for armed protection. She posted from a shooting range, urging her followers to arm themselves responsibly.
The Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported that Lox & Loaded, a Jewish firearms club, has chapters in 15 cities across the country, including Florida, Texas, Illinois, Michigan, and New York. The club offers training to those seeking to carry firearms for personal protection.
Michael Masters, CEO and national director of Lox & Loaded, emphasized the importance of structured and well-coordinated policies for those carrying firearms in potentially crowded environments. He said, “We are saying that if a facility is going to allow individuals into the facility carrying firearms, that it is critical they do it in a well structured, well coordinated, well thought-out way, given the implications.”
The Hamas attack on Oct. 7, which killed 1,200 Israeli civilians and soldiers, has heightened security concerns among Jewish communities. The Silver Spring congregation's resolve to bear arms was jump-started by this event.
Religious institutions across North America have dedicated professionals on staff to direct security for Jewish institutions, including synagogues, schools, community centers, and camps. Each of the 141 Jewish federations in North America has a professional responsible for security.
In response to recent threats, the UK government has promised extra police and patrols to protect Jewish communities on Holy days. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans stated, “We do not believe there to be any ongoing threat to the public in relation to this matter.”
What's confirmed
- BELLEVILLE, Ontario (AP) — A former Canadian soldier who opened fire on a police officer outside an Ontario synagogue during Yom Kippur shouted “you’re going to die for the Jews” moments before shooting, police said Thursday, declaring the attack was motivated by hate.
- Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd disclosed the alleged words of 29-year-old Sean Ward as police for the first time publicly identified a motive for Sunday’s attack outside the Sons of Jacob Synagogue.
- “Salam Ahmadyan 36 of Liverpool and Rahman Salehi 34 of Salford, both Iranian nationals, were arrested in Manchester on Sunday, 20 September,” Friday’s police statement said.
- “We do not believe there to be any ongoing threat to the public in relation to this matter,” Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans said.
- “Make no mistake, this was a targeted attack against the Jewish community,” Belleville Police Chief Murray Rodd said at a news conference.
What's still developing
- “The question for us really gets to the idea of having a civilian equipped with a lethal weapon step into what is potentially a dynamic tactical situation in an often crowded environment where you are required to act with precision and diligence, potentially taking a human life, while not inadvertently injuring innocent individuals,” he said, adding that people with far more training make mistakes.
- Jewish members told the JC they felt “betrayed” after delegates also rejected a Jewish safeguarding amendment by 1,026 votes to 648.
- You can reach her at jprinsley@thejc.com Vote in favour of policy is 1,022 to 813 against, as party also rejects safeguards for Jews attending Zionist synagogues A motion defining Zionism as racism has passed at the Green Party annual conference 1,026 votes to 648.
- Going virtual “was a new challenge but it was also full of possibilities. For example, the ability to be interactive and also the possibility to include new material, documents, photos, without a physical limitation,” said Marcelo Polakoff, senior rabbi of the Masorti Centro Unión Israelita synagogue, Córdoba’s main temple.
- Play is incorporated in the virtual museum via the “Idishometer.” (Screenshot from Museo Judio de Córdoba) This reporter only answered 67% of the answers correctly, so the system said “you need a lot more knishes and visits to your bubbe, but you are learning pretty well.” The quiz is representative of something Córdoba residents are known for: a great sense of humor.
- You are about to be charged £0.00 * WATCH NOW: Extra police and patrols promised to Jewish communities to protect synagogues on Holy days One has already been granted asylum, while the second has a live asylum claim Join the fight for free speech and fearless journalism.
- "We are responding to these threats with new powers and record funding to disrupt hostile activity. I’m grateful to our police and intelligence agencies for the exceptional work they do every day to keep us safe."
- A visitor stands in the sanctuary of Templo Libertad, Buenos Aires’ first synagogue.
- It has a metro population of 15.1 million and is incredibly busy and crowded, like a scene out of “Koyaanisqatsi” minus Philip Glass.
- The arrests come nearly a year after a deadly knife and gun attack on the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in northern Manchester where worshippers had gathered for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
- “It is alleged that the two men were in contact with an overseas third-party who may be in Iran in relation to the plot,” it added.
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