NCJW BCS MEMBERS ATTEND NORTH JERSEY PUBLIC POLICY NETWORK FORUM ON “GUN VIOLENCE IN AMERICA: THE ACHIEVABLE SAFE SOLUTIONS”

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On March 19^th 2015 an important panel discussion on Gun Violence was held at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Hackensack, sponsored by a grassroots organization for change called the New Jersey Public Policy Network. Seven members from NCJW BCS attended: Ann Levenstein, Shelly Winner, Gloria Lieberstein, Elaine Pollack, Roz Altman, Dorothy Pita and Iris Kupperberg. Other audience members included representatives from both spectrums of the issue, those for more legislation and those opposed.

The four members of the panel included:

• Adam Skaggs, Senior Counsel at “Everytown for Gun Safety”
• Mandy Perlmutter, Advocacy Lead of the NJ Chapter of “Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America”
• Rabbi-Hazzan Shaul Praver, spiritual leader of Congregation Adath Israel in Newtown, CT, an advocate for sensible gun laws who also works as a prison chaplain
• Mayor Steve Fulop of Jersey City and member of “Mayors against Illegal Guns.”

The discussion of the panel ranged from the 2^nd Amendment definition and historical history, various statistics, advocacy for civil discourse between those for less gun legislation and those who are for stricter controls as well as personal experiences. The panel discussion was monitored by Donna Dees Thomases, who organized the “Million Mom March” on Washington.

I was impressed with the speakers and their information. Rabbi Praver was especially effective, stating that the only way to come to a compromise is open communication and listening to both sides. The discussion started out in a civil manner but unfortunately deteriorated to unruly shouting out of opinions before the speakers were allowed to finish. Questions were taken at the end of the program, but the audience was too riled up to effectively communicate. This became a very emotional discussion and I did not come away with a good feeling that this could be resolved in a civil manner or with any possible solutions.

Roselyn Altman, NCJW BCS Vice President. Advocacy and Education