Guns, at the Western Wall

I was at the Western Wall the other day and had my 13 year old son take a few pictures with his camera/phone.


The Western Wall is open to the public. And is usually packed with tourists.


People from all over the world come to pray at the Western Wall.


On any given day you can hear dozens of different languages.


The entire area is well guarded and there are several layers of security. The Police and Border Patrol are there in force. ID checks, carry permit
verification, the works.



Israeli civilians come to pray three times a day.




Yes, even at Judaisms holiest site there are guns.

I started it!

I thought it was about freedom and the second amendment…

I made a statement. It wasn’t very diplomatic of me, but this is the internet…

Next thing you know they’re saying that I’ve “only a very hazy and ill formed impression of the conditions that exist over here in the United States.”

I don't know about the other 50 states, but growing up in Vermont and living in Israel does get you used to seeing guns.

All carried openly.

Here in Israel we are issued straight Carry Permits, one per person, for a single handgun.

For Israelis choosing a handgun, holster and accessories is a matter of cost, training, effectiveness and comfort. Not who might see my pistol? Will the bulge in my pants (made by my handgun) be considered offensive?

And trying to convince the cops you’re not a pervert, just carrying a concealed handgun in your Under-All Holster, seems to contradict what the second amendment stands for.

Just in case you were wondering Mrs. DoubleTapper carries her Glock 26 open carry too.

What Israeli's are carrying these days?

I'm frequently asked , "What types of handguns are carried in Israel"

Every thing and anything is the correct answer. But as far as popularity goes, the 9mm beats everything else hands down. Glock, Beretta, CZ, Colt, S&W, Browning, FN, Sig Sauer, Ruger, and that's just what I see on my way to synagogue on Saturday morning.

There are a few less practical options out there as well. One of my neighbors has a 9mm eastern block looking, folding stock, semi auto, with a 30 round banana clip. He wears it on a sling over his head and shoulder.

The newest thing is what the guys working as security guards are carrying. It's a Fobus shoulder stock attachment for the Glock, Jericho and for the Bul. Both the IWI Jericho and the Bul are made here in Israel.

This is a Bul Cherokee with the shoulder stock attached .


Cherokee Specifications:

• Caliber: 9mm x 19,
• Overall Length: 190mm
• Overall Height: 140mm
• Weight: 705 gr.
• Barrel Length: 93mm,
• Sights: Fixed, 3 dot,
• Sight Radius: 138mm
• Safeties: Thumb, & Firing Pin Safeties,
• Trigger Pull 4.5-5.5 lb.
• Capacity: 17+1

Bul also does custom paint jobs if you're into that look.

Questions From Readers

Lately I’ve been getting lots of questions from readers via email.
I guess I should have thought of that before I posted my email address on my blog.
Many of the questions are in regards to living in Israel, specifically to guns.
I’ll try and answers as many of your questions as I can…

I carry a Glock17 in a Foubus pancake holster on my right hip. It’s comfortable, easy to get to sitting or standing, and extremely visible. My carry permit allows me to carry. Period!

No, if someone sees it you can loose your permit junk.

The laws here in Israel are extremely restrictive, but have some elements of common sense. All weapons are listed, registered and individually licensed. The Ministry of Interior is responsible for the licensing of weapons and Gun Shops. I applied for and was issued a carry permit back in the 1980’s when I was still on active IDF duty. Every 5 years I am required to pass a physical and mental health check, criminal background check, qualify at the range, and pay a renewal fee for my carry permit.

I do not have, and can’t get a backup pistol. Although I am a Reserve Office (Captain) and have a M16A1 military issue rifle that I have “signed out” from the military, for civil defense, I am still only allowed 1 handgun carry permit, for my single pistol.

Mrs. DoubleTapper has her own Glock 26. We are not allowed to carry each other’s pistols.
That’s it one pistol per person, very few exceptions. But if you aren’t crazy, a criminal, or too infirm to carry, you can apply and get a permit to carry.

Who carries weapons in Israel?

Servicemen and women, on duty and off, in uniform or not. Reservists, Cops, Ambulance Drivers, Firemen, Teachers, Security Guards, Businessmen, and anyone else that has a valid carry permit. Jews, Arabs, and Christians (and everyone else) all carry weapons.

Rifles are generally issued by the IDF and carried by Servicemen and Reservists, although if you live in an area deemed by the Government to be a high risk (that’s almost every small town in Israel today) you can be issued a rifle for civil defense.

I'll add some more posts answering your questions later...

Feel free to email me DoubleTapper (at) Gmail.com or leave a comment with any questions.

"Gun Control is just plain stupid!" "If a murderer has a gun, you better have one too!"

Jackie Mason calls himself The Ultimate Jew.

Hey Jackie, if you're The Ultimate Jew, what am I, chopped liver? You should come visit. We'll go shooting together in the Holyland!

He also says, "Gun Control is just plain stupid!"

Watch his video, it's worth your time.



"If a murderer has a gun, you better have one too!"

71-year-old retired Marine Shoots 2 wanna-be robbers in Florida USA restaurant

Hattip to Argghh!!

A retired 71 year old United States Marine disrupted a robbery in progress when he shot two men who attempted to rob a Subway sandwich shop, fatally wounding one of them, police said.

According to local police, two armed men barged into the restaurant shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday, demanding money from the employee behind the counter. When they tried to force John Lovell, the only customer at the time, into the bathroom, he pulled out a licensed handgun and shot both men.

One was shot in the head and later died at the hospital. The other was shot in the chest and ran away, but police found him in hiding in some bushes nearby. Lovell, 71, was the lone customer at the time. Lovell was a pilot in the Marines, flying former Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. He later worked as a pilot for Pan Am and Delta.

A witness who was about to enter the Subway at the time said, "I think justice, you know, was served and a civilian was a hero for today."