Orin Julie: “The Queen of Guns” Empowering Women for Self-Defense
In a world that often demands strength and resilience, one Israeli woman stands as an inspiration to many. Orin Julie, a 26-year-old former Israeli soldier, has earned the moniker “The Queen of Guns.” But her mission goes far beyond mere firearm proficiency. Orin Julie is advocating for women to empower themselves by learning self-defense and, if necessary, to “pack heat” for their own safety.
Orin Julie’s journey began with her mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), where she served in the search-and-rescue unit. During her time in the IDF, she not only learned how to operate an assault rifle but also acquired the skills of Krav Maga, the Israeli military’s renowned self-defense system.
Reflecting on her journey, Orin Julie shared, “I needed someone strong to help me to protect myself, and when I joined the IDF, I became that person. I fell in love with tactical training, weapons, and self-defense, and I felt empowered for the first time. I became my own defender, protector, I stood up for myself, I found my voice, and I’m now more outspoken.”
Her journey in the IDF was a transformative one, as it gave her the confidence to be her own protector. It was here that her passion for tactical training and self-defense blossomed, shaping her into the strong and outspoken woman she is today.
After completing her service, Orin Julie continued her training and channeled her passion into raising awareness about self-defense, particularly for women. Her story is not just about firearms; it’s about empowering women to take control of their safety and well-being.
The path to responsible gun ownership in Israel is a challenging one, especially for women. While the Israeli government has stringent regulations governing gun permits, Orin Julie asserts that the process is significantly easier for men, particularly those with combat service backgrounds.
Orin Julie explains her own experience with obtaining a gun permit, saying, “For myself, I was able to get one because I served three years as a combat soldier and then became a shooting instructor, but it was a long and difficult process.” She adds that women must go through a series of officer courses, wait for a year, and only then can they attend a shooting instructor’s course, provided they work in a shooting range.
Julie is resolute in her belief that more women should have the opportunity to protect themselves, both in Israel and worldwide. Her motivation stems from the constant threat of terror attacks in her homeland. She emphasizes, “My country is also facing many terror attacks, and women should be able to defend themselves. When I walk out of my home with a gun, I feel safe and protected, and I want other women to feel the same way, to feel empowered and confident and to be able to stand up for themselves.”
Orin Julie’s story is not limited to her advocacy and her firearms expertise. It’s also a tale of personal growth and empowerment. After enduring challenging relationships, she has found love with a man who treats her as an equal. She shares, “It took me a lot of time to commit to someone after what I went through, but he’s amazing, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Orin Julie’s journey serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the power of self-belief, and the importance of self-defense education, especially for women. She is on a mission to empower women, to make them feel safe and secure in a world where personal safety can never be taken for granted. Orin Julie, “The Queen of Guns,” is more than just a title; she is a symbol of empowerment and resilience.
