Like so many Jews since October 7th, I am not okay. I smile. I laugh. I work. I write. But I’m faking it. Underneath all of it, I am anxious, scared, heartbroken for the hostages and their families.
Nu? Did you buy the Beretta? I’ve been a responsible gun owner for forty years, well trained, and an accurate shot. Here in South Florida, I know many Jews who are gun owners and take their responsibility to protect the Kahal seriously. Anti-Semites will be cautious around you, knowing that you will not take any threats lightly. Be sure to frequent a gun range where you can get instruction and become comfortable with your weapon. Do not be afraid. Only a Jew with a gun will protect a Jew without one. Kol Yisrael arevim zeh ka zeh.
This resonated with me and I am not Jewish: "How can so many people justify the actions of Hamas? What is everyone seeing that I can’t see? What the hell is wrong with me?"
I still can't believe the pro Hamas reaction either. I'm very "white" - blond and blue eyed - and I've lived in many parts of the US and no one ever said anything anti-Semitic around me. I'm sure it existed in some places, but in my many different circles of friends and colleagues there was no anti Semitism I knew of. I know it was real in the US in the past, Gentleman's Agreement and such, but that felt as distant as segregation. I'm shocked and devastated to witness this shameful new episode of hate among America's indoctrinated youth. My heart is with Israel and the Jewish people, and I pray every day for the safe return of the hostages and God's comfort to the families of the victims. You are not alone.
Reading this article brought tears to my eyes. And then I read again, aloud, to my husband, who had a similar reaction. Thank you for expressing, so beautifully, what most of us feel.
True Islamic terrorists, which now have infiltrated the U.S. borders, care less about being shot. In fact they glory in it. Let’s give them what they ask for.
Congratulations on becoming a “pew, pew Jew”, as they say. Now don’t forget to train with it! And be thankful we live in our country that has preserved its 2nd amendment rights. And when you get a chance, visit the national Museum of American Jewish military history in Washington DC, where they proudly point out that 550,000 Jewish American GIs served inWorld War II.
The last firearm I carried while on active duty as a law enforcement officer was a 40 caliber Glock 22. I purchased the same model after I retired. Glocks are reliable and I'm familiar with breaking them down and cleaning them, so I also own a Glock 27 (40 caliber) which I don't like and wish I hadn't purchased, Glock 23 (40 caliber my go to carry firearm), Glock 19 (9 mm), Glock 42 (.380 single stack, fits in my pocket), and Glock 43 (9 mm single stack, another go to). When my wife asks me why I have six handguns, in addition to a Remington 870 shotgun, I tell her it is because we don't need seven. Find a handgun that feels comfortable in your hand. Enjoy!
Steve S, Much like you I am a retired LEO (fed ) and much like you I own a Glock model 27 .40, & own a 870 Remington pump action shotgun for home protection. ( I also don’t like the model 27 & will upgrade to a larger framed .40 cal) unlike you I live in the most gun unfriendly state in the US ( Hawaii) where they make me jump through hoops every year to renew my LEOSA qualification.
We have much in common Terry. If you want a larger framed .40 cal I suggest the Glock 23, smaller than the Glock 22, but larger than the Glock 27. I reside in NJ, not much better than Hawaii. NJ has a state Retired Police Officer statute which allows retired LEOs concealed carry of firearms with magazines up to 15 rounds. I carry under LEOSA as well as with the state RPO CCW permit. As you know we still have to abide by state magazine carry limits. Aloha and Shalom
Steve,we have more in common than you know. I am originally from NJ born in Elizabeth, raised in Carteret, and was a lifeguard in Asbury Park. Funny you should end your message with Shalom & Aloha since I wrote my first novel called “ Shaloha Gems” available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble. Shaloha, Terry
I am not Jewish but I support you all the way. I recognise how your feelings are! Heightened anxiety and deep feelings for the hostages. Owning a gun is your essential at this time. Sad but true. You must stand up to the haters
There should be nothing but pride in being able to go to a gun shop and arm yourself, exercising the right of the people to keep and bear arms (first proclaimed i n the English Bill of Rights of 1689).
This is what allows decent citizens to live in peace when the authorities are unwilling or unable to protect them, as seen recently in Montreal, London, LA and Amsterdam.
Any doubts about gun rights dissolve when thinking about all the Israeli families on Oct 7 that retreated into their safe room ... armed only with a kitchen knife.
BTW 9mm is by far the most popular pistol cartridge, combining stopping power with low recoil. For a first gun, being able to shoot it reliably is more important than concealed carry; don't get something too small to hold solidly.
You're right. I was looking at this from the other end, all those nice micro-compact 9mm that have come out but my hand way overhangs the grip, not just the pinky.
Couldn't shoot something like that reliably, let alone in a high stress situation.
If I were once again living in the rural US as a Jew, I would also be buying and training. Certainly the shuls I attend when I am in Florida have members who are carrying. Before October 7th I thought they were nuts. Now, I take comfort in that. Beautifully written. Thanks for sharing it, Joshua.
I am sick of my fellow American members of the tribe (MOT) who have the mindset of perpetual victimhood. If you are on an anti Semitic campus and the school admin won’t protect you either fight back (legally or otherwise) or in a Democrat neighborhood get the hell out and move to a red state where the govt enforces the law and you can carry a weapon to defend yourself. No hand wringing & whining, take action!
Nailed this! As a Canadian - going to the gun shop is not an option and honestly not one I wish I had. But as a Jew living in a small community on Vancouver Island, my response was and still is to seek out my Jewish brothers and sisters, to find solace in my Jewish community because honestly - there is not a lot of comfort to be found amongst so many of my former friends.
You need a licence. Then you can purchase a long gun or shotgun. Pistols are restricted except with special permit. As far as Canada not having a gun culture, Canada has more long guns per capita than the States. Handguns are a separate issue.
Most weapons are illegal in Canada! As I said I could have a registered rifle for hunting. The gun culture in Canada as in much of the rest of the world is very different than in the US. Only 26% of Canadians own a gun for hunting. The rest of us would not even consider it! We actually find it bizarre and frightening that so many own guns in the US. Given the stats on gun violence there, I would choose Canada’s gun regulations any day!
"What is everyone seeing that I can’t see? What the hell is wrong with me? Was everything I was taught wrong? Was everything I saw with my own eyes wrong?"
Classical symptoms of gaslighting.
Very telling oh and also very sad that the author chose to remain anonymous.
Not just of gaslighting, but of 'betrayal trauma.' I'm still going through all the feelings of disbelief, fear, anger, etc., etc. Doesn't stop. The only difference I have (and it's probably makes me a PITA to my friends) is that I haven't had a moment of thinking Israel was in the wrong, for which I'm glad.
"I haven't had a moment of thinking Israel was in the wrong, for which I'm glad."
A great starting point. Learning that one too easily trusted the Other means that we can be vigilant to clues about their real feelings, attitudes, and beliefs.
If we take the time and effort, we can non-confrontationally correct the biases and prejudices through the psychological "bombs" of a few well-chosen questions, like "Interesting idea. Where does that come from?" Or, "How do we know this is so?"
Note that by framing the question as how WE know as opposed to how YOU know, we avoid coming across as accusatory. In this way we avoid putting the other person on the defensive, because then they are more inclined to refuse to listen to any evidence or logic we may present to them.
My heart is so sore for you and all other Jews feeling this way. I don't know what the world is coming to. I'm 77 years old and for years read up everything about WW2, and the Holocaust, being sure it would NEVER happen again. I'm wishing you peace and security. Shalom dear Shalom, to you and yours. May God hold you all close in his love.
Nu? Did you buy the Beretta? I’ve been a responsible gun owner for forty years, well trained, and an accurate shot. Here in South Florida, I know many Jews who are gun owners and take their responsibility to protect the Kahal seriously. Anti-Semites will be cautious around you, knowing that you will not take any threats lightly. Be sure to frequent a gun range where you can get instruction and become comfortable with your weapon. Do not be afraid. Only a Jew with a gun will protect a Jew without one. Kol Yisrael arevim zeh ka zeh.
This resonated with me and I am not Jewish: "How can so many people justify the actions of Hamas? What is everyone seeing that I can’t see? What the hell is wrong with me?"
I still can't believe the pro Hamas reaction either. I'm very "white" - blond and blue eyed - and I've lived in many parts of the US and no one ever said anything anti-Semitic around me. I'm sure it existed in some places, but in my many different circles of friends and colleagues there was no anti Semitism I knew of. I know it was real in the US in the past, Gentleman's Agreement and such, but that felt as distant as segregation. I'm shocked and devastated to witness this shameful new episode of hate among America's indoctrinated youth. My heart is with Israel and the Jewish people, and I pray every day for the safe return of the hostages and God's comfort to the families of the victims. You are not alone.
🙏
Reading this article brought tears to my eyes. And then I read again, aloud, to my husband, who had a similar reaction. Thank you for expressing, so beautifully, what most of us feel.
Amen.
Ditto
True Islamic terrorists, which now have infiltrated the U.S. borders, care less about being shot. In fact they glory in it. Let’s give them what they ask for.
Am Yisrael Chai!
Congratulations on becoming a “pew, pew Jew”, as they say. Now don’t forget to train with it! And be thankful we live in our country that has preserved its 2nd amendment rights. And when you get a chance, visit the national Museum of American Jewish military history in Washington DC, where they proudly point out that 550,000 Jewish American GIs served inWorld War II.
Self defense is a positive commandment
Excellent
The last firearm I carried while on active duty as a law enforcement officer was a 40 caliber Glock 22. I purchased the same model after I retired. Glocks are reliable and I'm familiar with breaking them down and cleaning them, so I also own a Glock 27 (40 caliber) which I don't like and wish I hadn't purchased, Glock 23 (40 caliber my go to carry firearm), Glock 19 (9 mm), Glock 42 (.380 single stack, fits in my pocket), and Glock 43 (9 mm single stack, another go to). When my wife asks me why I have six handguns, in addition to a Remington 870 shotgun, I tell her it is because we don't need seven. Find a handgun that feels comfortable in your hand. Enjoy!
Steve S, Much like you I am a retired LEO (fed ) and much like you I own a Glock model 27 .40, & own a 870 Remington pump action shotgun for home protection. ( I also don’t like the model 27 & will upgrade to a larger framed .40 cal) unlike you I live in the most gun unfriendly state in the US ( Hawaii) where they make me jump through hoops every year to renew my LEOSA qualification.
We have much in common Terry. If you want a larger framed .40 cal I suggest the Glock 23, smaller than the Glock 22, but larger than the Glock 27. I reside in NJ, not much better than Hawaii. NJ has a state Retired Police Officer statute which allows retired LEOs concealed carry of firearms with magazines up to 15 rounds. I carry under LEOSA as well as with the state RPO CCW permit. As you know we still have to abide by state magazine carry limits. Aloha and Shalom
Steve,we have more in common than you know. I am originally from NJ born in Elizabeth, raised in Carteret, and was a lifeguard in Asbury Park. Funny you should end your message with Shalom & Aloha since I wrote my first novel called “ Shaloha Gems” available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble. Shaloha, Terry
I’m a S&W guy myself - 357 Mag, 9mm, and .223/5.56 platform. Also a little Ruger MK iII for fun. I spend too much time at the range.
I am not Jewish but I support you all the way. I recognise how your feelings are! Heightened anxiety and deep feelings for the hostages. Owning a gun is your essential at this time. Sad but true. You must stand up to the haters
There should be nothing but pride in being able to go to a gun shop and arm yourself, exercising the right of the people to keep and bear arms (first proclaimed i n the English Bill of Rights of 1689).
This is what allows decent citizens to live in peace when the authorities are unwilling or unable to protect them, as seen recently in Montreal, London, LA and Amsterdam.
Any doubts about gun rights dissolve when thinking about all the Israeli families on Oct 7 that retreated into their safe room ... armed only with a kitchen knife.
BTW 9mm is by far the most popular pistol cartridge, combining stopping power with low recoil. For a first gun, being able to shoot it reliably is more important than concealed carry; don't get something too small to hold solidly.
Also a note for people with small hands - there are 9mms with smaller grips. S&W also has a new model for people with weaker hands.
You're right. I was looking at this from the other end, all those nice micro-compact 9mm that have come out but my hand way overhangs the grip, not just the pinky.
Couldn't shoot something like that reliably, let alone in a high stress situation.
If I were once again living in the rural US as a Jew, I would also be buying and training. Certainly the shuls I attend when I am in Florida have members who are carrying. Before October 7th I thought they were nuts. Now, I take comfort in that. Beautifully written. Thanks for sharing it, Joshua.
I am sick of my fellow American members of the tribe (MOT) who have the mindset of perpetual victimhood. If you are on an anti Semitic campus and the school admin won’t protect you either fight back (legally or otherwise) or in a Democrat neighborhood get the hell out and move to a red state where the govt enforces the law and you can carry a weapon to defend yourself. No hand wringing & whining, take action!
Well put, Terry
Nailed this! As a Canadian - going to the gun shop is not an option and honestly not one I wish I had. But as a Jew living in a small community on Vancouver Island, my response was and still is to seek out my Jewish brothers and sisters, to find solace in my Jewish community because honestly - there is not a lot of comfort to be found amongst so many of my former friends.
What do you mean “not an option” like jabotinsky said “Jews learn to shoot “
It is illegal to carry a firearm in Canada. I suppose I could buy a hunting rifle - but not interested. We do not have a gun culture here.
You need a licence. Then you can purchase a long gun or shotgun. Pistols are restricted except with special permit. As far as Canada not having a gun culture, Canada has more long guns per capita than the States. Handguns are a separate issue.
Hunting is popular in Canada, hence the large number of long guns.
You don’t necessarily need to carry - but surely yiu can have a gun at home?
Only if licenced and the gun and ammo are separately stored as per regulations.
Most weapons are illegal in Canada! As I said I could have a registered rifle for hunting. The gun culture in Canada as in much of the rest of the world is very different than in the US. Only 26% of Canadians own a gun for hunting. The rest of us would not even consider it! We actually find it bizarre and frightening that so many own guns in the US. Given the stats on gun violence there, I would choose Canada’s gun regulations any day!
Oh, and be sure to look into acquiring fine Israeli made firearms, such as IWI or BUL Armory.
It is absolutely wise for Jews to arm themselves when they can.
"What is everyone seeing that I can’t see? What the hell is wrong with me? Was everything I was taught wrong? Was everything I saw with my own eyes wrong?"
Classical symptoms of gaslighting.
Very telling oh and also very sad that the author chose to remain anonymous.
Not just of gaslighting, but of 'betrayal trauma.' I'm still going through all the feelings of disbelief, fear, anger, etc., etc. Doesn't stop. The only difference I have (and it's probably makes me a PITA to my friends) is that I haven't had a moment of thinking Israel was in the wrong, for which I'm glad.
"I haven't had a moment of thinking Israel was in the wrong, for which I'm glad."
A great starting point. Learning that one too easily trusted the Other means that we can be vigilant to clues about their real feelings, attitudes, and beliefs.
If we take the time and effort, we can non-confrontationally correct the biases and prejudices through the psychological "bombs" of a few well-chosen questions, like "Interesting idea. Where does that come from?" Or, "How do we know this is so?"
Note that by framing the question as how WE know as opposed to how YOU know, we avoid coming across as accusatory. In this way we avoid putting the other person on the defensive, because then they are more inclined to refuse to listen to any evidence or logic we may present to them.
Just a thought.
In fact, his name is shared just above the essay itself. I have had the same problem before in not seeing it when it is there.
Right you are. Completely missed it. Thank you.
My heart is so sore for you and all other Jews feeling this way. I don't know what the world is coming to. I'm 77 years old and for years read up everything about WW2, and the Holocaust, being sure it would NEVER happen again. I'm wishing you peace and security. Shalom dear Shalom, to you and yours. May God hold you all close in his love.