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    Default Armed Jewish Group Takes Security into its Own Hands in Los Angeles

    Armed Jewish Group Takes Security into its Own Hands in Los Angeles

    Jun 10, 2020
    Magen Am
    Magen Am, or “Nation’s Shield,” steps up to protect the Los Angeles Jewish community when the going gets tough.

    By Joseph Wolkin, United with Israel

    Throughout the past two weeks, protests and riots have taken over the streets of Los Angeles. From Sunset Boulevard to Hollywood Boulevard, people were tearing apart businesses, including many owned by Jewish citizens.

    While the Black Lives Matter protests were mostly peaceful, thousands of people used it as an excuse for looting. Shocking scenes took over social media, with many synagogues and Jewish establishments having no protection.

    That changed thanks to Magen Am, which translates to “Nation’s Shield.” The security organization is “predicated on the strength of teamwork and fueled by the dedication and commitment of our members,” and that was no exception during the riots last week.

    In conversation with United with Israel, Rabbi Yossi Eilfort, a Mixed Martial Arts fighter and director of Magen Am, discussed his organization’s mission and why it’s especially needed in today’s climate.

    How did Magen Am first start?

    “Magen Am first started when a then-stranger reached out and asked if I could help write a program to begin teaching self-defense to rabbis. Over time, we bridged the gap from self-defense to security, and just continued striving to improve.”

    Why is it so important for Magen Am to provide enhanced security?

    “Mumbai, Pittsburgh, Poway, Monsey… I think it’s obvious that this needs to happen for the Jewish community, and it must be an internal effort.”

    How many volunteers does Magen Am have?

    “Not enough.”

    Last week, throughout the LA riots, Magen Am went above and beyond. What efforts did you make throughout the week?

    “It was really incredible to see our teams step up over the course of the protesting and riots. Our programming has been designed around in-place security and at the shuls. While our licensing, and much of our training, is equally applicable to both scenarios, there was a lot of work from an organizational standpoint to enable us to begin responsibly carrying out a patrol/response program.

    “From working out the best methods to keep in accordance with regulations to logistically getting teams out and shifts covered. Thankfully, the riots were heaviest in the beginning and quickly quieted down.

    What changed for you from the start to the end of the week as the riots intensified?

    “Well, we got more tired. But we also began spending more time supporting the Los Angeles Police Department and National Guard as things relaxed. There were fewer people on the street, but more officers, so we would break up our shifts bringing them cold drinks. Working in line with their recommendations is very important to us.”

    You offer training for houses of worship, Chabad shluchim (emissaries) and other important programs. What is the response of people who participate in these programs?

    “It’s often difficult to get people to sign up, but once they do, almost everybody enjoys training. Most people don’t realize that there are whole worlds of information in the different fields of training. The biggest thing we teach is communication — probably why we were able to deter and deescalate every call that came in this week — which really can benefit everybody.”

    How important is it for synagogues to have this type of training?

    “Personally, I think it is critically important. There are many wonderful training organizations out there. It’s important to look at the whole picture: Preparation/planning, different types of emergency situations, and stages of recovery.

    “We learned from the Poway attack how important it is to have a plan for security, but also mental health treatment, babysitting, meal trains, insurance… simple activities become incredibly difficult, and it takes the broader community to help with the recovery. For us, the licensing and legal ability to act as security is a most critical piece that cannot be overlooked.”

    Is the organization living up to its name?

    “I think it’s quite simple. We are there to offer layered protection, made up of the community (nation), but we are not just a ‘guard.’ A shield requires the one seeking defense to hold it up. We’ve provided the community with an ability to protect itself.”

    https://unitedwithisrael.org/armed-j...n-los-angeles/
    "Cives Arma Ferant"

    "I know I'm not James Bond, that's why I don't keep a loaded gun under the pillow, or bang Russian spies on a regular basis." - GunLawyer001

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    Default Re: Armed Jewish Group Takes Security into its Own Hands in Los Angeles

    Quote Originally Posted by PAMedic=F|A= View Post
    Armed Jewish Group Takes Security into its Own Hands in Los Angeles

    Jun 10, 2020
    Magen Am
    Magen Am, or *Nation*s Shield,* steps up to protect the Los Angeles Jewish community when the going gets tough.

    By Joseph Wolkin, United with Israel

    Throughout the past two weeks, protests and riots have taken over the streets of Los Angeles. From Sunset Boulevard to Hollywood Boulevard, people were tearing apart businesses, including many owned by Jewish citizens.

    While the Black Lives Matter protests were mostly peaceful, thousands of people used it as an excuse for looting. Shocking scenes took over social media, with many synagogues and Jewish establishments having no protection.

    That changed thanks to Magen Am, which translates to *Nation*s Shield.* The security organization is *predicated on the strength of teamwork and fueled by the dedication and commitment of our members,* and that was no exception during the riots last week.

    In conversation with United with Israel, Rabbi Yossi Eilfort, a Mixed Martial Arts fighter and director of Magen Am, discussed his organization*s mission and why it*s especially needed in today*s climate.

    How did Magen Am first start?

    *Magen Am first started when a then-stranger reached out and asked if I could help write a program to begin teaching self-defense to rabbis. Over time, we bridged the gap from self-defense to security, and just continued striving to improve.*

    Why is it so important for Magen Am to provide enhanced security?

    *Mumbai, Pittsburgh, Poway, Monsey* I think it*s obvious that this needs to happen for the Jewish community, and it must be an internal effort.*

    How many volunteers does Magen Am have?

    *Not enough.*

    Last week, throughout the LA riots, Magen Am went above and beyond. What efforts did you make throughout the week?

    *It was really incredible to see our teams step up over the course of the protesting and riots. Our programming has been designed around in-place security and at the shuls. While our licensing, and much of our training, is equally applicable to both scenarios, there was a lot of work from an organizational standpoint to enable us to begin responsibly carrying out a patrol/response program.

    *From working out the best methods to keep in accordance with regulations to logistically getting teams out and shifts covered. Thankfully, the riots were heaviest in the beginning and quickly quieted down.

    What changed for you from the start to the end of the week as the riots intensified?

    *Well, we got more tired. But we also began spending more time supporting the Los Angeles Police Department and National Guard as things relaxed. There were fewer people on the street, but more officers, so we would break up our shifts bringing them cold drinks. Working in line with their recommendations is very important to us.*

    You offer training for houses of worship, Chabad shluchim (emissaries) and other important programs. What is the response of people who participate in these programs?

    *It*s often difficult to get people to sign up, but once they do, almost everybody enjoys training. Most people don*t realize that there are whole worlds of information in the different fields of training. The biggest thing we teach is communication * probably why we were able to deter and deescalate every call that came in this week * which really can benefit everybody.*

    How important is it for synagogues to have this type of training?

    *Personally, I think it is critically important. There are many wonderful training organizations out there. It*s important to look at the whole picture: Preparation/planning, different types of emergency situations, and stages of recovery.

    *We learned from the Poway attack how important it is to have a plan for security, but also mental health treatment, babysitting, meal trains, insurance* simple activities become incredibly difficult, and it takes the broader community to help with the recovery. For us, the licensing and legal ability to act as security is a most critical piece that cannot be overlooked.*

    Is the organization living up to its name?

    *I think it*s quite simple. We are there to offer layered protection, made up of the community (nation), but we are not just a *guard.* A shield requires the one seeking defense to hold it up. We*ve provided the community with an ability to protect itself.*

    https://unitedwithisrael.org/armed-j...n-los-angeles/
    Sure is a fancy way to say a jewish militia(jews only)

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    Default Re: Armed Jewish Group Takes Security into its Own Hands in Los Angeles

    Quote Originally Posted by icp4life162005 View Post
    Sure is a fancy way to say a jewish militia(jews only)
    Having trained a few, I would say their attitude is that if they don't protect their own no one else will.
    Given their history and the current reality, I don't blame them one bit.
    How can you have any cookies if you don't drink your milk?

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    Default Re: Armed Jewish Group Takes Security into its Own Hands in Los Angeles

    Who are The Shomrim?

    Despite these seemingly overwhelming Jewish predilections, within the Jewish community there exists a thin but powerful stream of thought, held by some Jews, who advocate for the fundamental human right to protect one*s self, one*s loved ones, the community and the fruits of one*s labors.

    As King Solomon said: *There is a time for war, and a time for peace* (Ecclesiastes 3:8).
    These people exist, typically *in the closet* of Jewish thought and behavior, and may be thought of as Shomrim, *The Watchful.* Non-aggressive and usually conservative in their views, they stand as silent and unobserved guardians of their Jewish brethren, without acknowledgment.

    *They stand as silent and unobserved guardians
    of their Jewish brethren, without acknowledgment.*


    Anecdotal evidence indicates that a significant percentage of discreetly armed Shomrim are present in synagogues on a regular basis.

    Their numbers appear to be increasing, as gun ownership, marksmanship practice, the shooting sports and gun-safety training increases nationwide across all demographics. Atrocities like the recent al-Qaida-inspired murder of Jews in France encourage more Jews to rethink personal preparedness.

    Given the severe threats Jews face in the modern world, isn*t it time for Jews to rethink the anti-rights posture so many have adopted toward the fundamental human right to keep and bear arms?

    While American Jews may not be required to learn about arms as civilians (unlike their Israeli cousins), it*s corrupt for them to attempt to force other law-abiding adults to suffer a government ban on the tools of self defense. And it*s time for the Shomrim to come out of the closet and teach their brethren about the cold, harsh reality of the world in which we live, and the tools that allow it to be tamed.

    *For he does not rest nor does he sleep, the Guardian of Israel* (Psalm 121).

    http://jpfo.org/articles-assd02/why-jews-hate-guns.htm

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    Default Re: Armed Jewish Group Takes Security into its Own Hands in Los Angeles

    Quote Originally Posted by Berncly View Post
    Having trained a few, I would say their attitude is that if they don't protect their own no one else will.
    Given their history and the current reality, I don't blame them one bit.
    Good for them, they're taking matters into their own hands. Should be a good example to be set from this.
    -Brandon


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    Default Re: Armed Jewish Group Takes Security into its Own Hands in Los Angeles

    They should bring in a few Israeli "consultants".....same Faith.....better firepower!

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Armed Jewish Group Takes Security into its Own Hands in Los Angeles

    Quote Originally Posted by 2DogsBarking View Post
    They should bring in a few Israeli "consultants".....same Faith.....better firepower!
    The IDF girls are also nice to look at.

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