Dear Matzav Shmooze,
In light of the several events that took place in recent weeks, including a shooting attack that killed 4 and last night’s stabbing spree, is it time our communities step up our approach to self defense?
Rashi in Parshas Vayishlach tells us that Yaakov Avinu prepared for his fight with Esav in three ways; he davened, he sent gifts and he made battle plans. This lesson is meant to be taught for all generations, and it’s especially prevalent today.
Davening – we should all be davening more and everyone already sends their “thoughts and prayers” after every antisemitic incident.
Gifts – I don’t know about specific gifts we give but Klal Yisroel is always giving back to our hosting countries. We have a low crime rate and we are model citizens. We have good relationships with our neighbors and with many of the elected officials in whatever city we live in.
All this is not enough. We are still hated and we are still targets. It’s time for part thee – strategy.
I think self defense initiatives should be made in all shuls, schools and community centers. We need to train people to be able to fight back if the time comes. Shuls should have safety plans in place for unforeseen situations. Security guards should be made available wherever needed.
We are a peace loving Nation. In our long golus we have never taken up arms to attack anyone and this will always continue to be the case. There is nothing we want more than live in peace. At the same time we need to be able to defend ourselves from those who seek to destroy us.
What are the thoughts of other Matzav readers?
Troubled by the Times
Guns sound powerful – but they are dangerous – even as protection – and should only be an option for highly skilled owners. I am a big fan of mace, pepper spray and bear spray. They can be a powerful deterrent and are non-lethal if bystanders get sprayed. I carry a small canister in my pocket. My wife has one in her purse. They have belt holders etc. Had the Monsey coward been sprayed – he may never have been able to get to the get away car – or hurt as many as he did. What do others feel about carrying (discreetly) mace and pepper spray?
That is a great idea. Is there a kind you recommend?
Those who tempt the claim that developers and such housing attitudes are not the cause because they are legal
Wrong and false
Laws Cannot and should not cover every single scenario
they’re supposed to be a compass
cf. Vayikra 19:2 comm.
And what of ” pshat nephesh”
There is a story of Moshe reichmann that he gave up $ five million or so in a scenario when he was legally right because he realized that he would appear somewhat morally or ethically wrong
Problem is typically Those who ought to be Heeding in this for the betterment of all
are unlikely to do so invariably As this is their modus operandi and so we tolerate and suffer because of