Synagogue Security: Rabbis Learn To Use Firearms

With Houses Of Worship Constantly Under Threat, Former NYC Cop Offers Class Designed To Keep People Inside Safe!

By Sean Hennessey NEW YORK (CBS)

LINK TO VIDEO STORY  Synagogue Security

Some might call it the “God squad,” others a proactive approach to safety. 

A rabbi in Queens is beginning a training program aimed at keeping places of worship worry free. 

Inside a Kew Gardens place of prayer is a team of experts whose goal is to make synagogues safer by teaching martial arts, how to use a gun and protecting worshipers if someone came in with guns blaring. 

It’s the brainchild of Rabbi Gary Moscowitz, a former New York City cop who said synagogues are natural targets. 

“It comes from the FBI. Just call the FBI. They issue terror alerts to synagogues on a regular basis here,” Moscowitz said. 

Moscowitz pointed to this spring’s attempted bombing of two Bronx synagogues as an example for the need. 

“This is an insurance policy. I hope it never has to go into effect,” Moscowitz said. 

Now he’s put together a team that’s selling safety because police can only be in so many places. 

“What police officer, even if they were parked in front of the synagogue, they hear a firefight. We’ll be dead,” Moscowitz said. 

“Our idea is you can’t be spiritual if you’re dead. You have to be able to fight back to live another day,” martial arts expert & Rabbinical intern Stuart Rosenberg said. 

To help with protection, Moscowitz is pushing state lawmakers to allow at least five people at houses of worship to carry a gun, but only after training. 

When asked of all this precaution is truly necessary, Moscowitz said, “I believe so.” 

So does another rabbi whose synagogue has signed up. 

“God forbid and God save us that someone would try to attack us. Why not let us know the skill in advance and be prepared just in case,” said Rabbi Mordechai Hecht. 

The team is charging $1,000 a person for a 100-hour class. CBS 2 HD has been told a handful of synagogues in Florida, California and Vancouver are interested.

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