Mayor Nir Barkat has ordered all junior high and high schools in the capital closed due to the security crisis. The mayor and PTA officials continue to pressure the relevant national government agencies to release the necessary funding to provide adequate security in the city’s schools.

It is added that Maran HaGaon HaRav Aaron Yehuda Leib Shteinman Shlita has instructed all frum girl’s high schools (seminars) in the city to continue on a regular schedule.

Mayor Barkat is also urging residents with a licensed firearm to carry it at all times to enable one to respond should such a situation arise.

This is not the first time a call to carry weapons is heard from an official. During the tenure of Police Commissioner Yaakov Turner (1990-1993) he too called on all Israelis with a licensed handgun to carry it and not to hesitate using it should a situation requiring an armed response arise.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)