JGVPR Statement on Tragic School Shooting in Madison, WI
From JWI’s Jewish Gun Violence Prevention Roundtable on December 18, 2024:
The Jewish Gun Violence Prevention Roundtable and our member organizations are devastated by the tragic school shooting at the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, WI, leaving at least two dead and many others injured. Our deepest sympathies go out to the victims, their families, and the entire school and religious community affected by this senseless act of violence.
As we mourn the loss of innocent lives and grapple with the pain of this tragedy, we must also come together as a community to support one another and seek ways to prevent such horrific events from happening again. The Jewish Gun Violence Prevention Roundtable is committed to advocating for legislative action to protect our communities and keep our schools safe.
In light of this tragedy, we urge our lawmakers and community leaders to take immediate and decisive action to:
Implement comprehensive background checks for all gun purchases.
Enforce safe storage laws to prevent unauthorized access to firearms.
Increase funding for school-based mental health and other supportive services.
Pass legislation to restrict access to high-capacity magazines and assault weapons.
In these difficult times, let us find strength in unity and resolve in action. Together, we can work towards a future where our children can learn and grow in a safe and secure environment, free from the fear of gun violence.
The Jewish Gun Violence Prevention Roundtable (JGVP Roundtable) works to amplify the collective voice of the Jewish community in addressing the pervasive issue of gun violence in the United States. By uniting individuals and organizations already involved in diverse approaches to combatting gun violence, our roundtable aims to strengthen our efforts and drive meaningful change. Guided by our Jewish values, particularly the principle of 'Lo ta'amod al dam re'echa' (Do not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor), we are compelled to act and intervene in the face of harm. We are further driven by the experiences of being a religious minority disproportionately impacted by hate crimes and alarmed by the epidemic of gun violence that disproportionately impacts the most vulnerable populations. The JGVP Roundtable, representing Jewish organizations across the nation, is committed to forging a future free from gun violence.