In my home, a kibbutz in the North, with Family of about 15 persons, ages 2-70+

We had invited our close family to celebrate my son’s second birthday. Grandparents, uncles, and cousins gathered in our small apartment for cake and games. The children were running and laughing, filling the room with energy.

At one point, my husband’s brother took off his sweater, and I noticed a handgun in his belt. A wave of discomfort washed over me—here was a visible weapon in my living room, while five small children darted around playing.

I told my husband’s other brother’s girlfriend, sitting beside me, how uneasy it made me feel. She replied that her boyfriend was probably carrying his handgun as well. That’s when it hit me: there might be not just one, but two weapons in my home during my 2-year old’s birthday party.

It made me feel very uncomfortable and unsafe in my own home. I began thinking about what the response would be if I drew up rules of not bringing weapons into my home, and I had a conversation with my husband about this. I will think twice before inviting the family into my home again.