MK Uri Maklev has turned to Public Security Minister Yitzchak Aharonovich to authorize handgun permits for Ichud (United) Hatzalah volunteers in light of the recent escalation in terror attacks.

Maklev reminds the minister that Ichud Hatzalah were first on the scene at the site of the attack at the Kehillas Bnei Torah Shul in Har Nof and the shots were still being fired by terrorists when the EMS personnel rolled onto the scene.

Maklev is not asking to set a precedent, but he is simply calling to include Ichud Hatzalah volunteers to the same category as Magen David Adom volunteers and workers, who are permitted to carry weapons due to the nature of their position.

Maklev points out that Ichud Hatzalah has some 2,400 nationwide volunteers including 350 in Yerushalayim and their responsibilities and timely response places them in a position that they should be armed in light of today’s new realities.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)