When seconds count, help is minutes away. Maybe.

There are two different crises happening – one in Israel and another in the United Stated that perhaps can be solved, or at least mitigated, by the same solution.

In Israel, there is the constant threat of terrorists bent on murdering innocents on the streets. These attacks come in many forms, but the one-on-one situation of stabbing attacks are becoming very prevalent. Crazed, brainwashed, radicalized individuals attack without warning and try to kill women, children, elderly, even soldiers, with a knife. Tragically, in many instances these terrorists are successful in causing severe injuries and killings.

In the United States, there is an increase in crime as evidenced by organized groups conducting smash and grab raids that are reminiscent of pre-pandemic Black Friday crowds storming stores. These result in violent clashes with staff and spill over onto the streets. There has also been a sharp rise in the number of home invasions, murder, random street violence, and hate crimes, many committed in broad daylight.

In the United States, according to SaferWatch, in 2017 the response rate to a 911 emergency number was eleven minutes. And this was before the “defund the police” movement (that is now being walked back by some who espoused it).

In Israel, reports of by standers, or even the victims, fighting back using everything from a pizza box, an umbrella, or a chair, have been reported. Followed by armed civilians or police showing up quickly thereafter. Or even the mayor of Jerusalem tackling a knife wielding attacker.

When these horrible events occur, seconds count for you to protect, defend, or fight back. Unfortunately though, help may be minutes away, or longer. In both the Israeli and American scenarios, what can an individual do to protect themselves and defend their family and neighbors until help is called or arrives?

•  Carry a gun. Requires licensing and training. Not everyone qualifies for concealed carry permits. Not good in crowded situations as innocents may be hurt.
• Learn hand-to-hand combat. Takes lots of time and dedication to achieve a level of proficiency. May not be suitable for all body-types or ages.
• Carry a non-lethal weapon. While mace and pepper sprays may first come to mind, you need to get very close, and the wind needs to be in your favor. However, …

An expandable baton might be the answer. Easy to carry. Looks menacing to wield thus perhaps scaring off the attacker. Easy to learn how to use. Less likely to injure innocents or victims of the attacks. Effective non-lethal stopping weapon. 

As we are presumably all targets, the “right to carry” an expandable baton should be available to everyone. However, to obtain the “right to carry” an expandable baton license, one should be required to go through a similar process as obtaining a gun permit: application, vetting, training, testing. The permit or license will allow him/her to pass through security screenings or magnetometers to enter certain areas.

Yet there are important protocols to follow. Training and practice = safety and effective use. Plus, a licensing process would ensure proper training and a permit to carry without confiscation.

Sometimes, in order to exercise the right to defend yourself, you need the right tools.

 

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