Gun permit applications jump in Lakewood and other NJ Towns with Jewish Communities

Northjersey - Gun permit applications jump in NJ as Jews seek protection amid rising anti-Semitic attacks

After a spate of violent anti-Semitic attacks around the tri-state region  including a deadly shooting at a kosher grocery store in Jersey City and an attack by a machete-wielding assailant in Monsey, New York — some are reconsidering their aversion to firearms. As a result, police in Teaneck, Bergenfield and Lakewood, as well as in Rockland County, New York, all areas with large Jewish communities, said they have seen a spike in gun permit applications in recent weeks.n Toms River, Police Chief Mitchell Little said he sees an uptick in firearm permit applications every time there's an anti-Semitic attack. His department processed about 1,300 handgun permits in 2019


"Since the attack in Monsey, I've been contacted by at least 30 people from Lakewood, Monsey and Teaneck who wanted my advice about getting a gun," Elkin said, referring to three sizable Orthodox communities in New York and New Jersey. The prevailing notion is that "anyone who identifies as Jewish is a target these days." 

Anti-Semitic incidents across the nation doubled over the five years leading up to 2018, with even higher numbers predicted for 2019, according to the Anti-Defamation League, which tracks violence against Jews. New Jersey ranks among the highest in the nation Anti-Semitic incidents.

Some gun ranges and gun stores are reporting a surge among Jewish clientele as well.

While Teaneck typically receives 20 applications a month, the Police Department received 30 in December and 30 in the first half of January alone, Chief Glen O'Reilly said. In response, the department added another employee to process firearms permits.

Bergenfield has also reported a jump in permit requests over the past month, with about 30 applications. That was double the monthly average, Lt. William Duran said.

Since the Dec. 28 machete attack at a Hanukkah party in Monsey, more than 100 permit applications were filed with the Rockland County clerk's office. That's a considerable increase from the 30 filed during November, and the 21 from Dec. 1 to 28, said Joseph Alongi, the deputy county clerk. The rise is likely linked to the attack, which left five people injured, he said.
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