(Jewish Group) Armed volunteers protecting synagogues amid rise in antisemitism
Every day, Meir Marcus goes to a Houston synagogue to pray. He closely follows the most ancient traditions of his faith, including the religious garments he wears during a service.
"I am an Orthodox Jew, and it's not just a title. It's a way of life," Marcus said.
He said his way of life makes him and the Jewish community a target. It's why he is always carrying a gun.
"I'm not going to sit around and wait for something really bad to happen in my personal life and the people around me that I can take an active approach to protecting," Marcus said.
Professionally, Marcus trains armed guards for a private security company. With antisemitism on the rise, Marcus is now training those who pray alongside him to protect their synagogues. Through his nonprofit, Lone Star Haganah, he trains members of the Jewish community to be licensed armed security guards.
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