'Tremendous increase' in number of Jews purchasing firearms in wake of Hamas attack

A rising number of Jews are seeking training to protect themselves with a firearm in the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel, with one gun shop seeing a "tremendous increase" in purchases made by Jewish customers.

The attack on Oct. 7 by the Hamas terrorist group on Israel has put the world on alert, with many Jews looking for ways to protect themselves from similar attacks. One defense tactic Jewish people are taking is purchasing and learning how to use a firearm.

“We’ve definitely seen a tremendous increase in religious Jewish people, Orthodox people, purchasing firearms,” said David Kowalsky, a Jewish man and the owner of the Florida Gun Store. “I’ve seen a surge in interest in individual training as well as group training.”