Amid rising antisemitism, MMA fighter Natan Levy teaches Jews to defend themselves

Israeli mixed martial arts fighter Natan Levy is shifting his focus from the ring to empowering Jewish communities through martial arts training. He aims to equip Jews with self-defense skills to combat rising antisemitism, believing that physical preparedness is a more effective deterrent than organizational efforts.

“

I think it’s a wake-up call, and that all Jews, or most of us, will finally wake up, train, and take ourselves, our physical training, seriously – whether it’s in fitness or martial arts, or even, if it’s in the United States, to carry a weapon – to protect yourself and your family.

Levy, who has personally faced antisemitic threats and observed the sport's own struggles with such ideologies, refuses to see himself or other Diaspora Jews as victims. He points to ubiquitous videos of antisemitic incidents, noting the rarity of Jews defending themselves in violent encounters. "It's a wake-up call, and that all Jews, or most of us, will finally wake up, train, and take ourselves, our physical training, seriously," Levy stated.

He likens antisemites to bullies who target perceived weakness. "Unfortunately, we seem to be the easiest target, and that's why they're preying on us," Levy explained. While advocating for self-defense as a last resort, prioritizing escape when possible, he stresses the importance of demonstrating strength to deter future attacks. "Once they see that we are not prey, they will stop coming to attack us," he asserted.

“

It’s very simple. It’s the laws of nature. Once they see that we are not prey, they will stop coming to attack us.

Levy's initiative includes seminars for Jewish communities and programs with the Israeli and American militaries. His ultimate goal is to foster a sense of resilience and self-reliance, ensuring that Jews are no longer easy targets for hate-motivated violence.

“

Unfortunately, we seem to be the easiest target, and that's why they're preying on us.