Monsey attacks prompt a call to arms as weapons training, self-defense courses surge

Fear spawned by the Monsey machete attack has driven a surge in weapons training and self-defense courses among residents taught from birth to rely on prayer and charity for protection.

Although security measures were already on the rise in this large and diverse religious hamlet following synagogue attacks in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Poway, California, an assault in their own neighborhood has changed their reality dramatically.

Advertisements for arms training and other means of protection began proliferating across social media immediately after the Hanukkah attack on a rabbi's home.

A MONSEY TIMELINE: From Howard Drive stabbing to Hanukkah attack

"The level of fear is very high and unfortunately it's not going to go away very quickly," said Rivkie Feiner, a lifelong Monsey resident.

Feiner is going to a safety and empowerment meeting this weekend given by a nonprofit Jewish security organization.

That's one of at least two training sessions planned in the community in the coming days.

Cherev Gidon, a Pennsylvania-based training academy run by veterans of the Israeli Defense Forces, has being doing outreach for its free training at neighborhood synagogues.

"When Jews are being murdered in the streets and in our synagogues, we can no longer afford to be helpless victims!" reads a flier calling on residents to sign up for "Israeli counter-terror firearms training."

MONSEY STABBING: Grafton Thomas indicted on six attempted murder counts in machete slashing

RAMAPO: Police, officials share possible connections between 2 attacks on Hasidic Jews in Monsey

ROCKLAND: When the world notices this county, it sees Monsey

Nearly 50 people showed up for Cherev Gidon's first session in Pomona, said Yonatan Stern, the academy's director. Another session this weekend will include not only its own training and safety methods but a licensed gun dealer to guide participants in making firearms purchases.

"Before the attack we had no presence whatsoever in the Monsey/Rockland area ... After the attack we were shocked and disgusted by the carnage and decided to do something to help the community," Stern said in an interview Friday, adding that he's "been inundated with demand ever since."

Cherev Gidon, which means "sword of Gideon" in Hebrew, is providing training to men and women on the mechanics of how to handle a weapon, how to use a gun against an armed synagogue attacker, and when it's legal to use deadly force.

Gidon's training here focuses on the weapons allowed under New York state law, including semiautomatic rifles like AR-15s with fixed magazines and pump action shotguns.

Stern said his organization is working with "certain members of law enforcement, but we can't be more specific than that."

A training video on the academy's website said approximately 90% of its students come from New York's Orthodox Jewish community.

In a video on its website, one unnamed participant explained his reasoning for taking the firearms course: “I believe that every Jew needs to own a gun and learn how to use it and be ready do defend themselves because the goyim (non Jews) don’t care where you live, eventually they’re going to come for you,” the man says.

Stern brushed aside the potential danger of arming the Monsey community where he said "people are panicking in fear for their lives."

"Absolutely not." Stern said. "Quite the opposite in fact. As long as these people get proper firearms training (either from us or from other instructors) and are obeying all relevant laws, this will undoubtedly make the community much safer."

'Horrific wake up call'

A meeting titled "Safe and Secure? Empowering the Monsey Community to Better Secure Your Shuls, Schools, Camps and Organizations," is being presented not far from the site of the Dec. 28 attack.

The Security Community Network will brief the audience on preparedness, threat response, emergency planning, as well as discussions of Jewish law in relation to self defense.

Feiner said she has already felt the changes to her neighborhood since the Hanukkah attack: A guard is now stationed outside her child's school and she must show ID before making a pickup.

"We're the largest Jewish community per capita in any county in the entire country. It's a horrific wake-up call. People are not going to sit around and do nothing," she said. "As Orthodox Jews we believe prayers protect us, and helping people is another form of protection (but) you don't bury your head in the sand."

Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht said the prospect of more firearms in the hands of a nervous community was concerning, but said "people have the right within the law to take means to defend themselves but at the same time to make sure everybody acts reasonably and doesn't do anything to add to a dangerous situation."

After a photo showing a trio of men armed with semiautomatic assault rifles standing outside a Monsey home was widely circulated on social media, he said town police had determined the men were on private property and their guns were legal.

"We're asking residents to exercise good judgment and discretion and not to do anything reckless or provocative," Specht said.

Twitter: @Bee_bob