NEW YORK (VINnews) — In the wake of the deadly Jersey City shooting attack, many discussions have been raised about the lack of sufficient defense currently in place in most Jewish communities. Many have called for Jews to arm themselves, or to at least learn some type of method of self defense.
Some in the community are taking more concrete steps to address this issue. “Rabbi sensei” Gary Moskowitz, a former NYPD officer and martial arts practioner, is hosting an axe-throwing “counter-terrorism” class in Williamsburg this Monday, says the New York Post. According to Moskowitz, the Williamsburg community is clamoring to sign up.
“The situation in Jersey City changed everything. In a few lessons and with practice, this is the quickest way for Jewish people to have a chance to mitigate terror and murder. At least they’ll have a fighting chance,” Moskowitz, also the president of American Jewish Security Council, told The Post.
“Civilians need training. No one can help you but yourself — you need zero response time.”
Moskowitz says that the Jewish community feels under siege by all the recent anti-Semitic attacks, and he feels axe-throwing is the best defense technique for the community at this time.
“I’m teaching people to throw axes — it’s a fatal strike with immediate stopping power. If you shoot someone, it could take a while. When you get struck with an axe, it’s game over,” he said, adding that it’s easier to train someone to throw a 2- to 5-pound axe than to use a gun. “No one’s going to get a gun permit in NYC, so why teach it to someone in NYC when they can’t carry it in NYC?”
“We’re not looking to kill people, we’re looking to stop them,” he added.
Elliott Gordon, an Orthodox talent agent from Flatbush is one of at least 10 people who’ve registeted for the course.
“The idea is we really have to be prepared with weapons at hand that anyone can get. If we can grab an axe, a brick, anything we’re allowed to have and know how to use it, to hit the guy on the head with a brick, problem over. A pistol isn’t the only weapon,” Gordon said.
“We have to know how to fight back. The only self defense that I have ever used was my hands.”
But not everyone agrees that axes and spears are a better option than guns, or even a good option at all.
“Self defense training is critical in that it empowers individuals with skills necessary to react quickly to defend against dangerous situations. It’s important to train with what you will have on hand in the event of an attack, such as your arms, legs, hands, feet, elbows or even a fire extinguisher,” said Deena Seelenfreund, NJ Regional Manager of Community Security Service, a volunteer group that protects Jewish sites.
“If you are training with objects that can be considered illegal with the intent to harm and are not readily accessible, such as spears, axes, mallets etc., then you will be at a loss to defend …. The idea of someone carrying a mallet, spear or axe, is impractical.”
