JGVPR Statement on the School Shooting in Winder, Georgia
United Against Violence: Responding to the School Shooting in Winder, Georgia
We are heartbroken and deeply saddened by the tragic school shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, during which a gunman killed at least four people and injured thirty others. This senseless act of violence has shaken our community and left us grappling for answers in the face of unimaginable tragedy. The beginning of the school year should be a time of joy and learning, as friends are reunited after the summer and students return to their studies. Instead, students in Winder are traumatized and mourning.
In this time of profound sorrow, it is crucial that we come together as a community to offer support, comfort, and strength to one another. Our hearts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this devastating event.
The Jewish Gun Violence Prevention Roundtable stands in solidarity with the victims and their families by reaffirming our commitment to advocating for safer schools and stronger gun violence prevention measures.
In the wake of this tragedy, we urge our lawmakers and community leaders to:
Prioritize the safety and well-being of students and educators by supporting access to school-based mental health support services.
Enact common-sense gun violence prevention measures, such as universal background checks, restrictions on high-capacity magazines, and extreme risk laws to prevent individuals in crisis from accessing firearms.
Invest in early intervention and prevention programs to address the root causes of violence and provide support to at-risk individuals before tragedies occur.
Foster a culture of empathy, inclusion, and mutual respect within our schools and communities to prevent future acts of violence and promote positive relationships among students and peers.
As we mourn the lives lost and grapple with the trauma inflicted by this tragedy, let us also draw strength from our shared commitment to creating a safer and more compassionate world for all. Together, we can honor the memory of the victims by taking meaningful action to prevent further senseless loss of life.
With heartfelt condolences and solidarity,
Jewish Gun Violence Prevention Roundtable