Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan initiated easing the gun license application process for Haredim who served in the IDF and reside in ultra-Orthodox neighborhoods and communities—following the current wave of terrorism and the fact that the terrorists have targeted ultra-Orthodox and observant Jews, Kikar Hashabbat reported Tuesday.
“The initiative will provide a response to the current shortage of weapons in ultra-Orthodox population centers,” Erdan said, explaining that “civilians who are skilled at using firearms would multiply our strength in the fight against terrorism, which is why I acted to ease restrictions on the ultra-Orthodox public which constitutes a major target for the depraved murderers.”
The move is implemented following a multitude of attacks against concentrations of the ultra-Orthodox community in recent months. The intent is to cut shorter the response time before neutralizing the terrorists.
As part of this process, the Nahal Haredi Association will manage a list of ultra-Orthodox veterans of combat service who reside in Haredi clusters. The list will be transferred to the police to decide who gets a permit to carry a weapon.
The Netzah Yehuda Battalion, a.k.a. Nahal Haredi, is part of the Kfir Brigade of the IDF. The purpose of the unit is to allow religious Israelis to serve in the IDF in an atmosphere conducive to their religious convictions, within a framework that is strictly halakhically observant. The battalion’s main region of operations is Jenin, in Judea and Samaria.
Col. (ret.) Jonathan Baranski, director general of the Haredi Nahal Association, said, “We are grateful to Minister Erdan and to the director of the Internal Security Ministry Rotem Peleg on their quick and efficient attention to this issue. Since the current wave of terrorism began, we’ve received dozens of requests from Nahal Haredi veterans who want to help, since they have experience in the use of weapons. We hope and pray that this move would prove unnecessary. Nevertheless, in the event that the terrorism continues, this move could save lives.”