Jewish Gun Ownership Rises Amid Antisemitic Threats, Security Group Urges Regulation

In the aftermath of Hamas’s October 7 massacre and a sharp global spike in antisemitism, a growing number of American Jews are taking personal security into their own hands literally. Across the United States, Jewish gun clubs are seeing surging membership, and synagogue communities are grappling with how to safely and responsibly manage firearms in sacred spaces.

One such voice is a Jewish mother in Cleveland, who never imagined owning a gun. But after witnessing antisemitism reach alarming levels, she joined a local firearms club, trained, and now keeps a loaded weapon beside her bed. “Never again also means being ready,” she said, echoing a new sense of urgency across Jewish communities nationwide.

Organizations like Lox & Loaded, founded earlier this year, have exploded in reach, now operating in 15 cities with over 1,000 members. These clubs provide training, support, and guidance to Jewish individuals many new to firearms on how to own and use guns safely and legally.

Yet as more Jewish Americans arm themselves, a parallel effort is underway to ensure that this trend enhances, rather than endangers, communal safety. The Secure Community Network (SCN), which coordinates security for Jewish institutions across the country, is urging synagogues to set strict policies governing firearms on their premises.

SCN’s guidance recommends that only members of vetted, organized security teams be allowed to carry weapons during services. These teams should be trained, coordinated with law enforcement, and overseen by synagogue leadership not left to individual discretion.

“The question for us,” said SCN CEO Michael Masters, “is having a civilian equipped with a lethal weapon step into what is potentially a dynamic tactical situation in a crowded environment. Most trained officers still miss 70% of their shots in high-stress situations.”

Indeed, while examples from Israel show personal firearms ending deadly attacks, American data paints a more complex picture. Guns in homes are statistically more likely to cause accidental deaths or suicides than to stop an intruder.

Still, Jewish voices on both sides of the debate agree on one point: the threat is real. Attacks like the firebombing of a hostage release rally in Colorado and the stabbing of a Chabad emissary in Boston have further galvanized interest in armed self-defense.

Influencers such as Lizzy Savetsky, a pro-Israel activist in New York City, have publicly called on Jews to “wake up, arm up, responsibly.” And at synagogues from Texas to Boston, discussions around concealed carry policies are now common.

Rabbi Dan Rodkin, director of the Shaloh House Jewish Day School, has long advocated for arming congregants. “Jewish people should not be a soft target,” he said. “Everyone needs to know that we are prepared to defend ourselves.”

At the same time, SCN stresses that a disorganized approach can lead to tragedy. Their new guidelines urge synagogues to adopt clear written policies, designate team leaders, vet participants, and ensure ongoing training transforming well-meaning self-defense into professional security.

Groups like Bullets & Bagels, founded in California in 2013, echo that sentiment. While their mission includes defensive training, founder Fred Kogen emphasizes education over ideology. “Our philosophy is, if you’re interested in learning, we’ll provide a safe, supportive environment.”

Back at Lox & Loaded, the club’s leadership agrees. “Our hope is that this helps serve as a deterrent against those who want to harm the Jewish community,” said a spokesperson. “This is not about being offensive it’s defense-oriented only.”

The rise in Jewish gun ownership marks a cultural shift for a community historically hesitant about firearms. But with antisemitism on the rise, many are deciding that being prepared is no longer optional.

Israel teaches the world that security must be proactive, not reactive. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed and stand with Israel.