If the rise of antisemitism after Hamas’ surprise October 7, 2023, attack on Israel didn’t indicate that more Jewish Americans should arm themselves, the wave of anti-Jewish assaults that occurred in recent months definitely should.
Fortunately, many Jewish Americans have already recognized this and have begun purchasing firearms at increasing rates. But the terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, shows that not only do more Jewish folks need to become gun owners, but also join the fight against gun control.
In the year following the October 7 attack, antisemitic incidents in the United States have skyrocketed to unprecedented levels, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The organization reported over 10,000 cases—the highest yearly figure since 1979. It represents a 200 percent increase from the previous year.
These incidents include 8,015 cases of harassment, 1,840 acts of vandalism, and 150 physical assaults. Bomb threats jumped from 81 to over 1,000. College campuses saw a 500 percent rise in antisemitic activity.
“From that day on, Jewish Americans haven’t had a single moment of respite,” said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt. He argued that these incidents have been “fueled by extremist rhetoric and support for terror groups at anti-Israel rallies.”
A 2023 CNN report revealed that several gun ranges and firearms shops reported significant increases in Jewish customers.
Some gun range operators and firearms instructors throughout the country have noted more Jewish people looking for ways to protect themselves with guns – either for the first time or to inquire about obtaining additional weapons, experts say.
Gene Petrino, a retired SWAT commander in Coral Springs, Florida, told CNN he’s gotten roughly 15 to 20 Jewish people per week seeking training since the war broke out.
“They want to know about situational awareness and how they can learn to spot a threat before an attack occurs,” said Petrino, who co-owns Survival Response LLC, a company offering workplace violence prevention, active shooter and firearms training.
He says the Jewish people he’s worked with are prioritizing not only buying a gun, but learning how to use them safely.
I am #Shoula, practicing in a shooting range with semi automatic AR 15 & 2 hand guns, & calling on my fellow American Jews to practice their Second Amendment right to own a gun to defend themselves against hostile antisemites who want to harm us because we are Jews🇮🇱Never Again💪 pic.twitter.com/2ZbaOs7njT
— Shoula Romano-Horing🇮🇱🇺🇸🇮🇱 (@RomanoHoring) November 18, 2023
A California gun store owner told Fox News that he has also seen a surge in the number of Jewish Americans purchasing firearms and receiving training. "No one wants to be feeling like they're helpless, especially not in their own home, especially not in their offices or where they go every day. People want to feel safe,” he said.
As political polarization in America continues to increase, anti-Jewish sentiment could rise with it. Not long before the terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, a gunman fatally shot two staffers working at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC.
The newly filed charges filed against Elias Rodriguez expose the depravity and callousness of the murders. He didn't just kill Sarah and Yaron- he made sure to finish them.
— Marina Medvin 🇺🇸 (@MarinaMedvin) May 22, 2025
He followed Sarah as she crawled away in agony after he shot her. He followed her and shot her again. He… pic.twitter.com/T2gjBzlmKR
Perhaps if some of the folks attending the event in Boulder were armed, they might have been able to stop the suspect from carrying out his violent attack. But it is possible that people didn’t carry firearms because the city has a local ordinance restricting the carrying of guns at the Pearl Street Mall. Colorado is an open carry state, but local municipalities often have their own gun control laws, and Boulder’s government obviously believes creating “gun-free zones” would keep people safe.
This is why it is not only important that more Jewish Americans become gun owners, but also Second Amendment advocates. The Democrats’ cherished gun control laws did not stop the attack in Boulder. They did not protect Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim from the crazed antisemitic shooter who murdered them in cold blood.
In reality, every law-abiding American should keep and bear arms. But members of certain groups need guns more — especially during times when bigotry toward them has metastasized in America. Hopefully, there will be more Jewish Americans who come to see the wisdom in arming themselves. It might save Jewish lives.
