Back to Reality, Part II

Last week I wrote about some fairly scary scenarios. I thought this week I would write about some possible steps that could be taken to enhance security. The steps are geared towards a Jewish audience as I feel that they are likely to be targeted and are probably already the targets of sleeper cells that exist in this country. Last week at a congressional testimony the heads of the FBI, CIA, and homeland security testified that an attack on this country in the next 3- 6 months is CERTAIN. They mentioned that there already exist operatives in this country ready to act.

I am surprised the terrorists have not figured out the following strategy. They blow up a mall in the U.S., blame it on Israel’s oppression of the Pals which will turn American public opinion against Israel. Guaranteed, the American public will throw Israel under the bus if this scenario repeats itself several times. Without American support, Israel will be significantly weakened. Already, BO has distanced the US from Israel and I think he would have no problem further severing the relationship.

We Jews more than any other group should be very concerned and take steps to protect ourselves. With our recent history in the early 20th century we should know that no one will protect us when the time comes. The government, especially this administration, will likely not be there for us and will probably be too busy reading Miranda rights to the terrorist. They will blame Israel for the terrorist’s rage, that his actions are understandable based on how the Palestinians are treated. We have been complacent for far too long and now must take the situation into our hands and prepare ourselves.

Our brothers and sisters in Israel have shown us we can be comfortable defending ourselves. We should learn to be comfortable with guns and teach ourselves and our children the safe use and handling of a firearm. Our Jewish schools should have after school mandatory activities to teach children on self defense, security methods and the use of firearms. Our synagogues should have self protection groups that are in charge of maintaining security. This would include armed guards (trained synagogue members), provisional plans in the event of an attack, and members trained in having concealed weapons and their use. Our summer camps are a perfect place to train children in self defense and the use of weapons. There are already Israelis coming to these camps as counselors. Why not bring a few Israelis to teach our kids how to protect themselves.

I know some will read this and think I am going overboard and maybe I am. But I think the burden is upon us to ensure our own safety. Our history dictates that we are always targeted and blamed. If we think that somehow this time is different, that we live in a country where we are protected, then ultimately we have only ourselves to blame for our complacency. More than any other group, we should know that history keeps repeating itself and we should act accordingly.