The proposal by Yaakov Wider, a member of the Bnei Brak City Council, to recognize the city of Torah and Hasidism as a city whose residents are entitled to carry personal weapons will be put to a vote in the City Council today (Sunday).
Vider: "The security reality in Israel proves time and again that weapons in the hands of law-abiding citizens enable an immediate response and save lives until the arrival of security forces. In a city like Bnei Brak, where there is no regulated urban security system, and on Shabbats and holidays there are no means of communication available - the significance is especially critical.".
Wider emphasizes that although in recent months many cities and towns have been recognized as entitled to bear arms, Bnei Brak, one of the most densely populated cities in Israel, where the streets are busy, especially on weekends, remained off the list.
He also noted that over a hundred residents have already contacted him and expressed a desire to legally carry weapons, if this becomes possible.
As part of the proposal, Vider suggests that the municipality submit an official request to the Ministry of National Security and the Israel Police demanding that Bnei Brak be added to the list of eligible localities.
""This is a simple step that could save lives," said Wieder. "I expect all members of the city council to rise above political considerations and support this move.".
Alongside this, there is disagreement within the municipal factions: some support the move, but on the other hand there is also strong opposition. A senior official in Torah Judaism claimed: "Haredim and weapons do not work together - it could bring young people closer to the army, and this should not be allowed.".
It should be noted that an appeal made to the Ministry of National Security was responded to by requiring an official move on the part of the municipality - which is now leading the proposal to a vote.
As mentioned, the proposal will be up for discussion and a vote in the Bnei Brak City Council this evening.
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