By Katie Vasquez
This gym is packed with people learning new techniques that could save their lives.
“It prepares you for the different skills for the different attacks that could happen,” said Lisa Chase, a student at Krav Maga Experts.
Tsahi Shemesh started Krav Maga Experts on the Upper West Side 15 years ago.
“Krav Maga has got, has the same values as the Jewish values,” said Shemesh. Hurt no one unless you must.”
The name is Hebrew for contact combat, and it uses an Israeli self-defense system developed in the 1930s by Imi Lichtenfeld.
“He was defending himself and the Jewish community against Nazi gangs,” said Shemesh.
Since the war in Gaza started on October 7th, 2023, there has been an increase in anti-semitic attacks in New York City.
The latest report from the NYPD cited a 137 percent increase in June compared to the same time last year.
Tsahi says a month after the war started, he was nearly attacked by a stranger.
“I never experienced Anti-Semitism,” said Shemesh, “that was unacceptable.”
And he’s not the only one here who has felt the hate. Shemesh says at least 50 percent of students in his classes are Jewish.
Student Neil Cohen has been disturbed by what he’s seen.
“There’s definitely an increased threat environment for anyone who looks Jewish these days,” said Cohen. “But certainly, a lot of my friends and relatives do, and I want to be able to protect them if necessary.”
Which is the same reason Peter Zak started taking these classes,
“Whether it’s Anti-Semitism or any other reason, I feel I’m better prepared,” said Zak.
But more than physical strength, these students and instructors say it’s taught them not to hide who they are.
“I was a proud Jew before October 7th, even more so now,” said Cohen.
“I don’t want anybody to walk near me and not know that I’m Jewish,” said Shemesh.
If you are interested in taking a class, you can visit their website at