Israel National News
Jewish New Yorkers are buying firearms and seeking training in anticipation of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani taking office, fearing a rise in antisemitic incidents and reduced police protection.
Michael Bergida, 30, recently opened Samson Armory, a gun shop in Marine Park, Brooklyn – the first new gun store in the borough in more than 50 years. The Orthodox Jewish owner said business has surged since Mamdani’s election victory, with everyone from elderly community members to Rabbis seeking firearms and training.
“We’re probably the only gun store to have a minyan,” Bergida told the New York Post, referring to the prayer quorum required in Judaism.
He said many of his customers express anxiety over the incoming administration, predicting “chaos” and claiming the NYPD is understaffed. “People are freaking out over Mamdani – anyone who has Judeo-Christian values,” he said, adding that he primarily serves Jewish clients.
Bergida, an NRA-certified instructor, said he is working with synagogues on preparedness training, including active-shooter drills. “It’s like doomsday prepping – people are loading up ammo,” he said. “We’re here to stay. We’re not victims anymore.”
Other firearms instructors report similar spikes in interest. Lance Dashefsky, a longtime gun safety teacher, said requests for concealed-carry classes climbed sharply after Mamdani won the Democratic primary in June. NYPD data shows concealed-carry permit applications rose from 620 that month to 706 in August. In New York City, obtaining a license can take six months to a year and requires a state-mandated 18-hour training course.
“I always ask people why they want a gun,” Dashefsky said. “And now the answer is Mamdani.”
Brooklyn instructor Ross Den said Jews who were previously undecided about gun ownership are now pursuing permits. “There are plenty of Rabbis who carry – synagogues are where the greatest threat is,” he said. He noted that concealed-carry is legal in houses of worship if the individual is designated as a security volunteer.
Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and former state assemblymember, has previously supported the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement and has been sharply critical of Israeli government actions. Those positions have drawn strong opposition from many Jewish New Yorkers. His comments comparing NYPD tactics to actions by the Israeli Defense Forces have also been widely criticized. Mamdani has said his positions reflect concerns about human rights and policing.
Election data shows heavily Hasidic neighborhoods such as Borough Park and Crown Heights voted overwhelmingly for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo over Mamdani. Some Israeli-born New Yorkers stated that they are now considering firearm training or licensing.
“We are Jewish and we will protect ourselves – even if the mayor despises us,” said one Israeli-American mother of four who said she applied for a gun license the day after the election. “We want a say in our own protection and not have to rely on others.”
Get educated about proper self defense ammo. Safe storage–whether wearing it or storing it– (including a proper holster that covers the trigger) is crucial.
What’s the process?
How do we apply if we want to get a gun? I’m ready to take lessons I just don’t know who to turn to…..
Please post the steps…..
Thank you!
Send me a message at 917-757-2174
This website has all the details how to apply. 2a613.com
Nyc.gov , jpfo.org — Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership
http://Www.2a613.com is a Jewish website with info on all the steps to get a conceal carry permit in NY and a few other states.
If you are interested in getting a New York concealed carry license, I offer the required Class and also offer application to help get the concealed carry license. You can reach me at 9175091396.
With all due respect, if you can’t do the research on your own you’re probably not be responsible enough to own a weapon.
They will give you info as to how to apply, train, buy, carry, etc. Good luck.
Children are FAR more likely to die due to an unsecured firearm in the home than they are by an armed intruder.
They’re also more likely to die from a kettle of boiling water than a home intruder. Maybe it’s time we go back to living in huts made of mud and sticks
He didn’t say don’t get a gun, he.said secure it. Also I think you should realize that the kettle has a different primary function in the house while, the gun is primarily for safety in the first place, meaning it would be backwards if you put yourself in a less safe situation
Every shul board should recruit and pay for training for some of its members.
Nobody should have to rely on the fact that “hopefully” some gun aficionado in their shul has received training and that’s how there’s a gun carrier in their shul.
This should be done SYSTEMATICALLY.
The vaad hakohol and community council should make a list of all shuls, and be on top of them all to make sure they are training and rotating mispalelim with guns.
Yup
I’ve been saying this since oct 7
The community should also have a rapid response team for all the community shuls and schools and other institutions, complete with the keys/detailed maps and on grounds training for any terrorist attack scenario. Because let’s face it if you call the incompetent, corrupt cops first, they will lock down the place first, prohibit entry while precious minutes/hours are lost waiting for backup with the terrorist locked in with the victims, free to slaughter at will.