321ACTION: July 15, 2024
We at JWI are deeply troubled by the recent attack on former President Donald Trump and by the death and grievous injury of event attendees. While the motive of the shooter has yet to be determined, such violence is never acceptable, whatever the motive. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family of Corey Comperatore and pray for healing for those who were injured. We also extend our gratitude to the first responders and Secret Service agents who reacted immediately to protect event attendees.
As is far too often the case, the attack on former President Trump was committed using an assault weapon. Read JWI’s full statement here.
Ready to make a difference?
Here are three ways to get started:
1.Tell Congress to reinstate the assault weapons ban!
Assault weapons have been used in the most horrific mass shootings in recent American history, including the shootings at Sandy Hook and Uvalde elementary schools, at Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school, and at the Tree of Life Synagogue. The assault weapons ban, which expired in 2004, reduced the likelihood of mass shooting fatalities by 70%. In the aftermath of the attack on former President Trump, click here to email your members of Congress and urge them to cosponsor the bill to reinstate the assault weapons ban.
2. Meet Anna Gerstein!
JWI welcomes Anna Gerstein as our Program Manager. Gerstein previously interned for the Maryland Inspector General of Education, where she played a crucial role in assisting with the report detailing a Maryland investigation into the significant flaws in the teacher vetting process. The investigation uncovered instances where an alleged abuser managed to secure multiple teaching jobs, emphasizing the need for stricter background checks and more robust hiring policies. Rather than being held accountable for their actions, the perpetrator was able to switch schools and resign, protecting the schools reputation and furthering the cycle of abuse at a different educational institution. Learn more here.
3. Tell your Representative to vote no on the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies funding bill!
The full House of Representatives will soon be voting on several bills to fund the federal government, including the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies spending bill. This bill cuts funding for the federal agency that investigates antisemitism in schools and on college campuses, eliminates funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Injury Center, and drastically cuts funding for the Department of Education. Click here to email your Representative and urge them to vote against this harmful bill.
+ In case you missed it...
In both April and June, we asked you to email your members of Congress to urge them to cosponsor the Countering Antisemitism Act. Since then, Congress has taken no action on this critical bill. Click here to email your members of Congress to reiterate the importance of this bill and to ask them not only to cosponsor it but to encourage House and Senate leadership to bring it to the Floor for a vote.
+ BONUS!
JWI’s CEO Meredith Jacobs will be participating in a panel discussion following the JCRC of Greater Washington’s screening of Screams Before Silence on July 28 in Rockville, MD. Learn more and register here.