Here's something that warms my heart as a shop owner: the Jewish community is waking up to the reality that when trouble comes, they're the ones responsible for their own safety. And the NRA is finally getting smart about reaching new gun owners.
The NRA just announced a partnership with Lox and Loaded, a Jewish-focused firearms training organization founded just over a year ago. The deal? Expand access to training, education, and community-based self-defense for Jewish Americans facing a surge in antisemitic attacks.
Good. It's about time.
With attacks on synagogues making headlines worldwide—from Australia to Michigan—members of the Jewish faith are rightfully taking an interest in arming themselves. Lox and Loaded founder Gayle Pearlstein put it well: these folks are realizing they have to take their safety into their own hands.
The NRA's new leadership seems to understand something the old regime didn't—building coalitions matters. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, they're partnering with specialized groups who already have trust within their communities. That's smart politics and smart business.
From my perspective in the shop, this is great news. Groups like Lox and Loaded, the Liberal Gun Club, and others provide welcoming entry points for people who might otherwise feel intimidated walking into a gun store. They're not pushing guns in anyone's face—they're creating comfortable spaces for education and training.
The NRA brings resources, industry-standard safety courses, and decades of institutional knowledge. Local groups bring community trust and culturally competent instruction. That's a winning combination.
I hope to see more of these partnerships down the road. Every community deserves access to training and the means to defend themselves. The Second Amendment isn't a partisan issue—it's a universal right. And if the NRA's new approach means more folks learning about firearms in a supportive environment, count me in.