FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2018
Reform Jewish Movement Responds to Shooting at Santa Fe, Texas High School
WASHINGTON – In response to this morning’s mass shooting at Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas, which at least eight people dead and many more injured, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement on behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism, Central Conference of American Rabbis, and wider Reform Movement:
“Once again, students have been gunned down in school, transforming a place of learning and safety into one of death and destruction. Our hearts are broken and our prayers are with the students, parents, teachers, and all those in Santa Fe, Texas.
“How many more schools must be shot up before we change our laws? Congress, how many more children must die before you act? This morning’s shooting is the 22nd school shooting this year. Mr. Speaker, how many students must die before you gather the courage to stand up to the gun industry and pass gun safety laws? The adults of this country have failed its children.
“The Reform Jewish Movement refuses to accept a reality in which school shootings are routine. We demand more from elected officials who continue to offer empty thoughts and prayers in lieu of substantive gun violence prevention legislation.
“Guided by the student leaders of the Reform Movement, we will continue to strive toward a day when no student, worshipper, night clubber, moviegoer, or neighbor is threatened by senseless gun violence. Today’s devastating news is a harrowing reminder of how far away that day is.”
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The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism is the Washington office of the Union for Reform Judaism, whose more than 900 congregations across North America encompass 1.5 million Reform Jews, and the Central Conference of American Rabbis, whose membership includes more than 2,000 Reform rabbis. Visit www.rac.org for more.