High Holy Days Self Defense
In advance of the High Holy days, Rabbi Gary Moscowitz of Queens has taken it upon himself to help Jews keep Jews safe. Moscowitz is training rabbis and congregation members to protect synagogues in the New York area — offering 100-hour courses in synagogue self defense, The New York Post reported today.
The former police officer, who has a black belt in karate, is training students to take down terrorists with running somersaults that they can use if attacked while praying. Students will learn how to use Kiddush tables for cover, in case of a surprise attack during the post shul nosh.
Interest in Moscowitz’s course reportedly peaked recently after thwarted attacks on two Bronx synagogues. When asked why the NYPD can’t protect synagogues he explained that they don’t recognize congregants. “A terrorist could put a yarmulke on, say, ‘Happy holidays,’ and blow the place up,” Moscowitz told the Post.
