WE REMEMBER SANDY HOOK

The vigil on December 14th to remember the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School, sponsored by the Gun Violence Prevention Coalition of Bergen County in partnership with NCJW Bergen County Section, the Unitarian Church of Paramus and Temple Emeth of Teaneck, was an emotional and tearful event.

Solemn but hopeful music was performed by both the Teaneck Community and the Unitarian Churches’ choruses. Passionate speeches were given by Reverend David Horst of Central Unitarian Church, who introduced the event, and Rabbi Steven Sirbu of Temple Emeth, who provided words of wisdom from the Torah, emphasizing the obligation to keep our neighbors safe from harm.

Ed Gross, steering committee chair of the Bergen County Coalition against Gun Violence, described how the murders at Sandy Hook empowered him to become more proactive in fighting the battle against gun violence in our country.  Click here to read full text of Ed’s speech.

State Senator Loretta Weinberg urged that we write our legislators, attend protests and marches, sign petitions and demand to be heard.

Theodora Lacey, a Teaneck activist who works to improve race relations said, “Power is in our hands to wipe out gun violence, just as the hand that pulls a trigger.”

Dwight Panozza representing a group called “Because Life Is Sacred” spoke of the need for “ordinary people to get involved, demonstrate and say ‘NO MORE!’ When governments fail, people must act.” Click here to read the full text of Dwight’s speech.

At the conclusion we all felt a greater need to make a difference and change the direction of gun violence in this country.

Hard to believe 3 years have passed – Ed Gross’s speech at Sandy Hook Candlelight Vigil
It takes a village and ours is not doing its job – Dwight Panozzo

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