B"H
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This article has continued an ongoing dialogue in blogs, newsgroups and letters to the editor. It seems beneficial to elevate the context of these thoughts from the pro-gun/anti-gun argument to the broader discussion of whether there is an actual need for self-defense in our synagogues and yeshivos.
In Lech Lecha, when Avram battled the four kings, the Medrash explains that Hashem assisted him in a supernatural manner. When Avram picked up earth to hurl at the enemy, it turned into bows and arrows. When Amrafel shot his arrows, they turned into dust.
If, G-d forbid, an intruder enters a Chabad center or yeshivah with a weapon, can we expect a supernatural event to occur? If I threw earth at the intruder, would it turn into an effective deterrent? Would the intruder's bullets turn into dust? Hashem can certainly make that happen, but it is our responsibility to do what we can to defend ourselves and not rely on miracles.
According to an article by COLlive reporter Aryeh Levin, dated February 14, 2010, Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky of Lubavitch Headquarters is now backing a training course for Shluchim given by Israel's Counter Terrorism Bureau. This adds credence to the reality that in every incident we get just one opportunity to defend ourselves, and that we must stand strong together.
RESOURCE INFORMATION
BERKOOT INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION AGENCY, based in Sarasota, FL and Eastern Europe, for the highest quality training and security consultation... http://www.berkoot.com or contact Frank for referral assistance.
You must be informed of the laws pertaining to lethal and non-lethal weapons in your jurisdiction. Certain large cities also have their own laws which differ from those at the state level. Each of us has a responsibility to know and obey all applicable laws pertaining to licensing, carrying and use of any weapon for self-defense.
For handgun laws, state-by-state... http://www.handgunlaw.us
and the NRA Institute for Legislative Action... http://www.nraila.org/gunlaws
Stun gun and pepper spray laws, state-by-state... http://planetstungun.com/stun-gun-laws
National Rifle Association... http://www.nra.org
A variety of non-lethal weapons can be used effectively in addition too or in place of a handgun:
Pepper Blaster... http://www.pepperblaster.com
Bear pepper spray... http://tinyurl.com/yfv8n3h
Burglar Bomb entry room pepper spray... http://www.stopthecrime.com
Double Trouble stun gun... http://tinyurl.com/yldjj4l
Stun Baton with flashlight... http://tinyurl.com/y967utl
Stun Gun Cane... http://tinyurl.com/2d9mcpz
Taser, compact... http://tinyurl.com/ybsr8sb
Taser, advanced... http://tinyurl.com/y8l8g6m
Tactile defense light... http://www.botachtactical.com/itactdl1.html
ASP batons... http://www.batondefense.com
READY, AIM, DAVEN
If you are going to take on the responsibility of arming yourself with either a lethal or non-lethal weapon, you need to be well trained. Safe storage of weapons, especially when children are present, is very important. Don't be negligent and cause an injury or loss of life to an innocent person.
The defender needs to be situated to intercept one or more intruders before he/they get access to the main body of people. Keep all back and side doors locked from the outside. One way in, multiple ways out!
Whenever possible maintain peripheral vision on the remaining entrance and be aware of any unusual sounds. Remain alert to the ever changing physical space immediately around you so that you can move without a moment of hesitation. Be ready to react with whatever weapons are at your disposal based upon the perceived threat.
Daven for guidance, practice how you will respond and train as if your life depends on it!
Thank you for your interest and sharing this article with other like-minded defenders of innocent Jewish lives... http://tinyurl.com/chabadsecurity
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