In the delivery room of a Jerusalem hospital, as the labor pains intensified, midwife Erga Froman noticed something unusual. The mother, shifting for comfort, remarked on a strange sensation—Froman’s holstered firearm had shifted, touching her side. A photograph later captured Froman beside the newborn, her gun still secured at her waist, a poignant symbol of Israel’s evolving relationship with firearms.
Before October 7, Froman had never considered owning a gun. A mother of five and non-combatant during her national service, she had no prior experience with firearms. But the Hamas terrorist attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis in a single day reshaped her perspective on personal security.
“After that night, I realized I needed protection,” Froman explained. “I travel alone at night to my job, bringing life into the world. By the next morning, I had submitted my application for a gun license.”
A Surge in Gun Ownership
For decades, personal firearms in Israel were uncommon, even with mandatory military service. Israelis largely relied on their defense forces to counter terror threats. However, the events of October 7 led to a surge in gun license applications—over 260,000 in the months that followed, nearly matching the total number from the previous two decades combined.
The shift highlights a stark contrast between Israel and the United States. While gun ownership in America is often tied to self-defense and constitutional rights, in Israel, firearms are seen as tools for countering terrorism. This perspective aligns with a national focus on survival, rather than personal liberty.
Parallels to the U.S. Debate
The surge in Israeli gun ownership mirrors ongoing debates in America, where the right to bear arms is enshrined in the Second Amendment. In both nations, proponents of gun ownership argue that personal firearms provide a critical line of defense when government forces are unable to respond swiftly.
The tragedy of October 7 underscores this point. Communities were left to fend for themselves in the face of coordinated terror attacks. Similarly, in rural parts of the United States, where law enforcement response times can be lengthy, gun ownership is often viewed as essential for personal protection.
Balancing Security and Responsibility
Critics in Israel, much like in the U.S., worry about the risks of widespread gun ownership. Incidents of accidental shootings and impulsive actions remain a concern, as do questions about the adequacy of training for new gun owners.
In America, similar debates rage over whether stricter regulations or better education might reduce gun-related tragedies. However, advocates emphasize the deterrent effect of an armed populace. “The reality is that when seconds count, law enforcement is minutes away,” said one U.S. gun rights advocate.
A Shared Lesson
Froman’s story and those of others like her reveal a universal truth: when people feel vulnerable, they seek ways to protect themselves and their families. Whether in the face of terrorism in Israel or rising crime in American cities, the drive to ensure safety is a shared human experience.
As the global debate over gun ownership continues, the experiences of Israelis adjusting to a new reality offer lessons for Americans. Both nations grapple with the balance between personal liberty and collective security, a tension unlikely to resolve anytime soon.
