"In a way, it's like military reserve duty"
After several brutal Muslim terror attacks in Jerusalem, in contrast to many American mayors, the mayor of Jerusalem is saying that more guns are the answer.
Although such an announcement has not been made publicly or explicitly, Walla! News reports, police and local authorities have unofficially given instructions to civilians to carry personal weapons.Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat has however issued an official statement urging residents of the capital to carry licensed firearms to increase their personal security."The mayor encourages licensed gun owners to carry their weapons to increase security. He himself serves as a personal example of this," the Jerusalem municipality said.According to the municipality, Barkat was carrying his licensed Glock pistol on a recent tour of Beit Hanina with police to improve the security of Jerusalem's light rail as well as last February when he thwarted a terrorist attack against a haredi man."Given the current escalation [of violence] in the security situation, those with a licensed firearm who know what to do with it must go out with [their weapon] - it's an imperative," Barkat told Army Radio on Thursday. "In a way, it's like military reserve duty."
It's more useful too. But more civilian patrols are also needed.
While Barkat is correct, gun owners do increase security, there also need to be significant reforms in enabling Israelis to carry guns and in protecting their civil rights after they use a firearm to defend themselves. That last part is wherecivil rights groups like Honenu play a crucial part.
As to the former, some progress has been made, but not nearly enough.
The guidelines will add Jerusalem and 41 other cities, towns and local councils, to the list of areas considered “high-risk” or “high-priority,” such as including West Bank settlements, where residency can make it easier to receive a permit if one meets other criteria.
That was last year. A lot more work needs to be done.
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