In response to the rise in antisemitism and pro-Palestinian protests at universities and in liberal-leaning cities, American Jews are panic-buying firearms as a precautionary measure.

Vicky Furer, a 48-year-old educator from South Florida, told Bloomberg that she recently joined members of her synagogue for a shooting lesson at a firing range in Pompano Beach - just north of Fort Lauderdale.

"It's scary, holding this thing," Furer said, "thinking of how I will ever be able to shoot at someone." 

Across South Florida, as well as across the US, Jewish folks have historically leaned left and pro-gun control. However, that appears to be changing following the Israel-Hamas war, as well as the rise in antisemitism and pro-Palestinian spreading across the US.

The latest data from the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) shows that unadjusted criminal background checks in Florida were 124,000 in October, up 30% from September. Background checks serve as a proxy for gun sales because there is no national database tracking firearm purchases.

Outside of Israel, Florida has one of the largest concentrations of Jewish people, upwards of 740,000. In predominantly Jewish neighborhoods, people are arming up:

"This is the first time I really feel unsafe in the US," Michele Lazarow, a Hallandale Beach city commissioner, told Sun Sentinel. He added: "Maybe it'll finally be when I get a firearm."

Rabbis, firearms instructors, and gun shops have told Bloomberg that gun buying among Jewish folks has soared in recent weeks because they fear a Hamas attack and or see the rising tide of antisemitism nationwide.

On Tuesday, a 69-year-old man demonstrating in support of Israel died after sustaining a head injury during a fight with a pro-Palestinian protester in Los Angeles.

Also, Jewish people are watching the surge in antisemitism at liberal colleges and are shocked.

A @Tulane Jewish student was hit in the head today by a pro Palestinian protestor and is now in the hospital.

Enough is enough! pic.twitter.com/3GBeWdhHpb

— Gila Stern (@gila_stern) October 26, 2023

Left-leaning Jewish folks who never thought they would own a gun are now realizing in Biden's America - that the need for self-defense against crazies is crucial for survival.