NCJW Urges Renewed Effort on Gun Control in Wake of Tragedy at Virginia Tech

April 17, 2007, New York, NY -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today responded to the tragic mass shooting on the campus of Virginia Tech University, calling on the nation's leaders to seriously address the issue of gun control and gun violence. NCJW President Phyllis Snyder issued the following statement:

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the Virginia Tech community, family, and friends of all those touched by the tragedy that unfolded in Blacksburg, Virginia, on April 16, 2007.

"Following the horrific rampage at Virginia Tech, NCJW -- once again -- calls on federal and state leaders to enact tougher laws to control the sale and possession of guns. Guns are dangerous weapons and have no place on our streets, in our communities, or in our schools and college campuses.

"As the toll from gun violence mounts, we feel compelled to ask, how many more tragedies will it take to spur lawmakers to take decisive and effective action to address this problem? NCJW supports laws and policies to restrict and regulate guns and urges Congress, the President, and state lawmakers to act expeditiously on this issue."

NCJW is a volunteer organization, inspired by Jewish values, that works to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families and to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all through its network of 90,000 members, supporters, and volunteers nationwide.

Contact:
Vanessa Schnaidt
212 645 4048 x179; vschnaidt@ncjw.org