Israeli MMA fighter Natan Levy is teaching Jews self-defense techniques to combat antisemitism, according to The Jerusalem Post. As the Jewish community faces rising hate crimes, Levy emphasizes the importance of martial arts training.
What happened
Natan Levy has turned his attention from mixed martial arts competition to empowering the Jewish community against antisemitism through self-defense training. He explained to The Jerusalem Post, “My goal is to help strengthen the Jewish people.” Levy’s approach includes a mix of programs in the Israeli and American militaries, with a particular focus on seminars for Jewish communities.
Levy noted that American Jews, who make up just over 2% of the U.S. population, face a disproportionately high number of hate-motivated crimes. He has personally experienced antisemitism, receiving death threats on social media due to his public profile. Despite the challenges, he focuses on self-empowerment rather than victimhood.
“I think it’s a wake-up call, and that all Jews, or most of us, will finally wake up, train, and take ourselves seriously,” said Levy.
Why it matters
Training in self-defense is crucial amid rising incidents of antisemitism, which have led to fear and insecurity in many Jewish communities. Levy’s initiative aims to break the cycle of victimization, encouraging Jews to take proactive steps in their physical safety. Self-defense not only boosts personal security, but also resilience against future threats.
Background
On October 12, 2022, a report highlighted a significant increase in antisemitic incidents across various U.S. cities, underscoring the need for community action. In response, Levy began offering martial arts training, echoing insights from his own experiences in the sport.
In 2023, Levy started conducting seminars in Las Vegas and other cities to teach young Jews high-level martial arts skills. He advocates using techniques like Krav Maga, which he believes can provide both physical safety and important life lessons.
What’s next
Levy plans to travel to Israel in the coming months to train members of the IDF and Defense Ministry, focusing on skills necessary for confronting potential threats effectively. He is also seeking to expand his training programs in American Jewish communities throughout 2026.
