Jewish New Yorkers Arm Themselves Amid Fears Following Mayoral Election
Unease Spreads After Zohran Mamdani’s Victory
New York City — Tensions are running high among Jewish residents following Zohran Mamdani’s election as mayor of New York City. Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and former state assemblyman known for his criticism of Israeli policies, secured his victory after an intense election season marked by debates about policing, foreign policy rhetoric, and community safety.
Since the election results were confirmed earlier this month, gun stores across the five boroughs have reported surging demand from Jewish New Yorkers — particularly in Brooklyn and Queens — for firearms, ammunition, and concealed carry training. Many fear a reduction in police responsiveness and an uptick in antisemitic threats under the new administration.
Citywide, New York Police Department figures show that requests for concealed carry permits rose 14% in the months leading up to Mamdani’s general election win, climbing from 620 applications in June to 706 in August. Firearms instructors say that interest spiked again in the immediate aftermath of the vote, with many clients openly citing the mayor-elect’s stance on Israel and the NYPD as cause for concern.
A Surge in Gun Ownership Among Jewish Residents
The shift marks an extraordinary cultural moment. New York City, long known for its strict gun laws, is witnessing a surge in firearm purchases among a community that has historically favored civic institutions and law enforcement protection.
At Samson Armory in Marine Park, Brooklyn’s first new gun shop in over half a century, owner Michael Bergida described scenes of anxiety and defiance. The 30-year-old Orthodox Jewish entrepreneur opened his store earlier this year to meet what he calls “the new security needs of the Jewish people.”
On a recent Tuesday evening, rows of customers — ranging from rabbis to retirees — filled the small shop to attend a handgun safety seminar. “The NYPD is all retiring,” Bergida said. “We have to fight for ourselves. People are freaking out over Mamdani. Anyone who has any Judeo-Christian values feels uneasy. We have to let everyone know: don’t mess with the Jews. Never again.”
Bergida, whose store closes for Shabbat and hosts Friday night prayers, organizes active shooter training courses for synagogues. “It’s like doomsday prepping,” he added. “People are loading up ammo. I tell them we’re not victims anymore — we’re staying, we’re protecting ourselves.”
Firearm Classes Packed to Capacity
In Queens, firearms instructor Lance Dashefsky runs a training group where bagels and lox accompany Sunday shooting lessons. He has watched his classes fill faster than ever before. “It’s getting busier because of him,” Dashefsky said, referring to Mamdani. “When I ask students why they’re here, the answer is the same: Mamdani.”
Another instructor, Ross Den, noted that many of his new students are professionals — doctors, attorneys, plumbers, and local clergy. “There are plenty of rabbis who carry now,” Den explained. “The shul is where the greatest threat is. People are waking up to the idea that they can’t wait for someone else to protect them.”
New York law allows houses of worship to assign designated security personnel who can legally carry firearms on the premises. That flexibility has prompted several synagogues, particularly in Brooklyn, to appoint members with concealed carry permits as volunteer guards during services.
Women and Families Joining the Trend
The trend is not limited to men. In Borough Park, an Israeli-born mother of four obtained her handgun license the day after the election results were announced. “We are Jewish, and we will protect ourselves, even if the mayor despises us,” she said. “We can’t rely on others for protection anymore.”
Local community groups have noticed more women enrolling in firearm safety courses over the last three months. In neighborhoods like Crown Heights and Midwood, where antisemitic incidents occasionally spike, self-defense classes for women have nearly doubled in attendance.
Deep Election Divide Across Jewish Neighborhoods
Election data underscores how decisively Jewish voters rejected Mamdani. In Borough Park, a Hasidic stronghold, 88% of voters supported his opponent, former Governor Andrew Cuomo. In Crown Heights, home to the global Chabad-Lubavitch movement, about 75% cast ballots against Mamdani.
Observers note that such polarization reflects more than politics; it reveals rising unease over identity, safety, and community trust in city institutions. Many residents worry that under the new mayor, law enforcement and city policy might become less responsive to concerns about antisemitic threats.
Historical Context of Jewish Self-Defense in New York
While today’s wave of gun purchases is unprecedented in scope, the concept of Jewish self-defense in New York goes back decades. During the 1970s, amid rising crime rates, certain synagogues and community patrols organized neighborhood watch programs, including the well-known Shomrim volunteer patrols. These groups worked closely with the NYPD while also coordinating local safety efforts.
However, the current climate differs markedly. Rather than dependence on organized street patrols or police partnerships, many individuals are now seeking personal means of protection. Analysts suggest that the combination of social media-fueled rhetoric, global antisemitism concerns, and distrust in political leadership is pushing Jewish residents toward self-reliance.
Licensing Hurdles and Training Requirements
Obtaining a concealed carry license in New York City remains a rigorous process. Applicants must complete a 16-hour safety course, two hours of live-fire training, and an extensive background check. The process can take six months to a year, though instructors say many are beginning it regardless of the delay.
Firearms dealers report that ammunition sales have also spiked, especially for compact handguns suitable for concealed carry. “People are stocking up on 9mm and .380 rounds,” one retailer in Queens said. “We haven’t seen this type of volume in ages — not even during the pandemic.”
Antisemitic Incidents and Broader Safety Concerns
The Anti-Defamation League has recorded a steady rise in antisemitic incidents nationwide over the past three years, including several high-profile attacks in New York City. In 2019, assaults against visibly Jewish individuals on the streets of Brooklyn led to intensified patrols and community outreach programs.
Recent months have seen smaller but deeply unsettling incidents, from vandalized synagogues to verbal harassment in public. For residents, these events compound fears of vulnerability.
Security experts warn that while firearm ownership may provide a sense of control, it cannot substitute for broader community safety measures. They stress the importance of situational awareness, defensive training, and consistent communication with law enforcement agencies.
Political Promises and Public Anxiety
Mamdani, 34, campaigned on a platform focused primarily on affordable housing, police reform, and climate policy. Yet it was his rhetoric regarding policing and foreign affairs that drew the most controversy. In past speeches, he compared NYPD surveillance tactics to those of the Israeli Defense Forces — a statement many Jewish leaders interpreted as hostile.
While the mayor-elect has since promised to be a “leader for all New Yorkers,” skepticism remains high in Orthodox and Israeli expatriate circles. Community boards in Brooklyn have scheduled emergency meetings to discuss additional security measures, including hiring private guards and installing reinforced entry systems at schools and synagogues.
Economic Ripple Effects in the Firearms Industry
Local gun retailers have become unexpected beneficiaries of this heightened apprehension. The economic impact of the post-election surge is notable: new members of gun ranges, bulk equipment orders, and more requests for safety consultations at houses of worship.
Firearm instructors are hiring assistant trainers and renting larger classroom spaces to handle the flood of students. “Business is booming like never before,” one instructor said. “But it’s bittersweet — this isn’t about profit. It’s about fear.”
Nationally, the trend among Jewish Americans mirrors patterns recently observed in Los Angeles and Miami. After the October 2023 Israel–Hamas conflict, Jewish firearm ownership rose in several U.S. cities, often tied to a perceived increase in antisemitic rhetoric and violence.
Regional and Historical Comparisons
Experts draw parallels between the current situation in New York and historical self-defense trends in communities facing existential anxiety. During the 1990s Los Angeles riots, Korean-American business owners armed themselves to protect their shops amid a collapse in public order. In contrast, post-9/11 America saw a surge of patriotism and trust in institutions, not the turn toward personal armament visible today among Jewish New Yorkers.
Across the Atlantic, Jewish communities in France and the United Kingdom have also adopted stronger self-defense postures in response to antisemitic attacks. European governments have generally limited civilian gun ownership but supported formal synagogue security networks, highlighting how uniquely American this New York moment is — driven by individual autonomy rather than state-led protection.
Looking Ahead: Fear and Resilience
As Mamdani prepares to take office in January, the mood among many Jewish New Yorkers is one of guarded vigilance. Synagogues are reinforcing doors, parents are discussing active shooter drills with schools, and shooting ranges are filled with first-time gun owners learning the basics of self-defense.
For now, the city stands at an unusual crossroads, where identity, security, and politics converge in complex ways. Whether the spike in gun ownership becomes a lasting shift or a temporary expression of fear remains to be seen.
What is clear is that the sense of vulnerability among New York’s Jewish population has reached a level not experienced in decades. As one Brooklyn rabbi put it during a recent safety briefing, “This city has always bounced back from division. But this moment — this fear — feels different. People are preparing like never before.”
Amid uncertainty and deepening concern, New York’s Jewish community appears determined to take its safety into its own hands, signaling a new era of vigilance shaped by faith, history, and an unyielding determination to endure.