In the wake of an unprecedented invasion of Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, American Jews are turning to gun stores in record numbers, driven by concerns for their safety amid escalating violence.
Hamas initiated this brutal attack during a festival in the Holy Land, prompting an immediate declaration of war by Israel. Tragically, the Israel-Hamas conflict has claimed nearly 6,000 lives, including over 30 Americans who fell victim to the ruthless acts of Hamas terrorists.
As reported by the Washington Examiner, Jews across the United States are taking proactive measures to safeguard themselves and their communities. Firearm purchases have surged, with many seeking training to ensure responsible gun ownership.
David Kowalsky, owner of the Florida Gun Store, observed, “We’ve definitely seen a tremendous increase in religious Jewish people, Orthodox people, purchasing firearms. I’ve seen a surge in interest in individual training as well as group training.”
Kowalsky’s store offers comprehensive firearm training lessons, and local synagogues are reaching out to host gun training seminars. At these events, many participants, including mothers and teachers, are handling firearms for the first time.
‘Not safe anywhere now’: American Jews are flocking to gun training classes
The deadly terrorist attack in Israel and the torrent of social media threats that followed have forced many American Jews to reconsider their long held stances against owning or using guns.
Firearm…
— Mrs D'Onofrio (@galactic1492) October 22, 2023
Explaining the motivations behind this trend, Kowalsky mentioned safety concerns, noting, “I think people are nervous about what’s going on and what can happen.”
The surge of interest in firearms isn’t confined to Florida. In Los Angeles, California, the nonprofit organization Magen Am, which provides firearm training to Jews, has experienced an overwhelming demand for self-defense training. Rabbi Yossi Eilfort reported over 600 calls expressing interest in recent weeks, describing the influx as “really, really nonstop.”
Meanwhile, in Fort Worth, Texas, the owner of Eagle Gun Range, David Prince, disclosed that demand at his gun shop has spiked by 300% since the commencement of the Hamas invasion of Israel. Prince explained that customers are expressing fears for their lives, driven by concerns stemming from their religious identity.
This trend towards firearm purchases coincides with a troubling increase in anti-Semitism across the United States. The Washington Examiner reported that in 2022, nearly 4,000 anti-Semitic incidents were documented, marking a 36% increase compared to the previous year. These incidents underscore the rising concerns within the American Jewish community, compelling many to take steps to enhance their personal security.
As the situation unfolds in the Middle East, American Jews are facing a complex reality where their desire for self-defense intersects with the challenging issue of rising anti-Semitic sentiments.
