SWAT for Settlers

[mota bhai 2,675]

TEL AVIV, Israel — Naomi and David Kaplan live with their five children in Bat Ayin, a pinpoint-sized, fenced-off settlement in the West Bank of Israel. Their village has around 150 families, most of whom are religious Jews.

...

David, a 49-year-old radio broadcaster, and Naomi, a 46-year-old former chemistry professor turned stay-at-home mom, practice all the Jewish holidays and eat only kosher food. They also dress modestly. But underneath the long skirts favored by Naomi and the tzitzit -- knotted ritual fringes -- worn by David, both also wear a concealed handgun.

The couple, American immigrants from Texas, are among a growing number of Israeli settlers who are arming themselves ... David carries a Steyr pistol; Naomi carries a Glock 19.

"You have to be aware at every moment. If you see an Arab walk up to you, you have to get into position to do something," says Naomi. "We live with the fact that people are out to kill us. Despite that, we want to build a normal life for ourselves and our children. We certainly want our children not to be scared and not to feel in danger."

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2013/07/31/swat_for_settlers_israel_palestine_west_bank