Israeli Training Academy Empowers American Jews with Self-Defense Skills
Translated & summarized from 0404 by baba
Yonatan Stern, an Israeli veteran, established the Cherev Gidon Israeli Tactical Training Academy in Pennsylvania to teach American Jews self-defense and firearms skills. Following major antisemitic attacks in Pittsburgh and the October 7th Hamas assault, the academy has seen a significant increase in enrollment. Stern aims to empower Jewish communities to defend themselves, citing rising antisemitic incidents and a growing sense of insecurity among American Jews. He views the Second Amendment as a key enabler for this self-protection.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Yonatan Stern's Cherev Gidon academy trains American Jews in self-defense and firearms using Israeli methods.
- Enrollment surged after the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue massacre and again after the October 7th attacks.
- U.S. antisemitic incidents reached record highs in 2023, with physical assaults peaking.
- A majority of American Jews feel less safe and have changed behavior due to antisemitism fears.
- Stern emphasizes the Second Amendment as crucial for Jewish community self-defense against violence.
Yonatan Stern, an Israeli who grew up in Kiryat Arba and served in the IDF during the Second Intifada, founded the Cherev Gidon Israeli Tactical Training Academy in Pennsylvania. The academy teaches civilians self-defense and firearms proficiency based on Israeli methods and experience. Stern's initiative, which began before major antisemitic attacks, aims to equip Jewish communities in America with the ability to defend themselves, rather than solely relying on security guards or police response.
Following the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue massacre, where 11 worshippers were killed, Cherev Gidon saw a surge in enrollment, primarily from Jewish individuals seeking weapons training. Stern stated at the time, "We want every Jew in America to be armed," emphasizing the need for an additional layer of defense within the community in case an attacker incapacitates the primary security. This approach sparked debate but led more synagogues to enhance security and train volunteers.
The October 7th attacks on Israel triggered another wave of interest in firearms and self-defense training among Jews and Israelis in the U.S. Stern reported a sharp increase in applications at Cherev Gidon, including from women who had never considered owning a gun before. He observes a broader trend of American Jews forming self-defense groups and joining gun clubs to acquire practical skills for protecting themselves and their communities.
Data from the ADL indicates a significant rise in antisemitic incidents in the U.S., with 6,274 recorded in 2023, averaging 17 per day, making it the third-highest year since data collection began. Physical antisemitic assaults reached a record high of 203 in the same year. FBI data, analyzed by Secure Community Network, shows 1,528 anti-Jewish hate crimes reported in 2023, constituting about 63% of all religiously motivated hate crimes in the U.S.
A survey by AJC revealed that 78% of American Jews feel less safe since October 7th, and 55% have altered their behavior due to fears of antisemitism, such as concealing Jewish symbols or avoiding certain events. Stern commented on the global deterioration of safety for Jews, drawing parallels to Europe in the 1930s. He highlighted the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution as a crucial tool enabling the Jewish community to arm itself and strengthen its institutions against antisemitic terror and violence. "Cherev Gidon's mission is to ensure that American Jews are not led like sheep to slaughter," Stern stated, transforming the post-Holocaust vow of "never again" into action.