EXCLUSIVE: ‘They’re Helping Us Save Lives’: Jewish American Group Partners With 2A Powerhouse

A Jewish self-defense group is partnering with one of the nation’s most prominent gun rights organizations in a move its leaders say reflects a growing sense of urgency within the Jewish-American community.

National Rifle Association and Lox and Loaded will formally announce a new partnership this week — aimed at expanding firearms training, education, and community-based self-defense initiatives — according to a press release obtained exclusively by The Daily Wire.

The collaboration comes amid a dramatic uptick in antisemitism in the United States, particularly in the wake of ongoing tensions involving Iran and a broader spike in anti-Jewish incidents following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Leaders behind the initiative say the partnership is rooted in a belief that Jewish Americans must take a more active role in their own security.

“In a time when our communities face rising threats and antisemitism, responsible firearm ownership is no longer optional — it’s essential for self-defense and peace of mind,” said Gayle Pearlstein, co-founder of Lox and Loaded in a phone interview with The Daily Wire. “Partnering with the NRA allows us to bring world-class training resources to our members and chapters nationwide.”

Lox and Loaded, founded after the October 7 attacks and the subsequent rise in antisemitic incidents, has rapidly expanded to more than 48 chapters nationwide and over 1,000 members. The organization combines firearms training with community-building, operating under the slogan “Shoot and Schmooze,” while emphasizing safety, preparedness, and cultural connection.

Pearlstein noted that access to NRA-backed training and infrastructure could significantly expand the group’s reach. “Being partnered with the NRA … it’ll make Lox and Loaded’s mission more honorable and attractive to ranges and private gun clubs,” she said, adding that greater access to facilities could help lower costs and improve availability for members across the country.

Membership in Lox and Loaded costs $118 annually, with additional fees for range access and instruction. Pearlstein expressed hope that the NRA’s involvement could help streamline those barriers and lead to more affordable options. “It’d be great if the NRA could get more ranges available … make it easier for our members to find a chapter near them,” she said, adding that many ranges were initially wary of the group.

From the NRA’s perspective, the partnership represents an extension of its longstanding mission to promote firearms safety and training across all communities. “The NRA has always stood for the fundamental right of all law-abiding Americans to keep and bear arms,” said Doug Hamlin, CEO and Executive Vice President of the organization. “We are proud to partner with Lox and Loaded to support their important work in the Jewish community.”

NRA officials who spoke with The Daily Wire emphasized that the effort is about access. “We’re making the NRA’s resources available to them,” said Ed Friedman, editor-in-chief of the NRA. 

Friedman pointed to a noticeable cultural shift following recent global and domestic events. “This is becoming a focus of the Jewish community. At my synagogue … there was a lot of openness to carrying during services, but after October 7th it became more organized,” he said, describing a transition from informal conversations to structured planning around security.

Justin Davis, the NRA’s Director of Public Affairs, echoed that sentiment, calling the partnership a natural alignment of missions. “Success here is for every law-abiding citizen to be trained in the safe and effective use of firearms … the sky’s the limit with Lox and Loaded and the NRA,” he said. Davis added that the NRA sees itself as playing a supporting role. “We’re working together on this … we’re here as a resource to help in their mission. We’re here to make this mission go smoother,” he said.

Pearlstein also suggested the partnership could help reshape perceptions of gun ownership in communities that have traditionally been skeptical. “Having the NRA partner with Lox and Loaded shows they are aligned with our mission … it’s opening the door very gently to those more liberal people that would typically be very anti-gun,” she said. “They’re doing it in a very smart, savvy, and gentle way.”

At its core, both organizations say the goal is straightforward: preparedness and protection. “Making the community safer — that’s the goal,” Friedman said.

Pearlstein put it even more bluntly. “We’re very lucky and blessed to be partnered with the NRA,” she said. “They’re helping us save lives.”