Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (UOJCA) – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization – expressed its support for federal legislation to prevent gun violence.

Martin Nachimson, UOJCA president and Nathan Diament, UOJCA executive director for public policy, issued the following statement ahead of today’s anticipated United States Senate consideration of gun safety legislation:

“The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America has long supported common sense gun safety legislation and other meaningful efforts to reduce gun violence. We believe prohibiting individuals on the terrorist watch list from purchasing firearms is certainly a common sense step that must be taken, as is closing the “gun show loophole” in the background check system to enable that system to operate effectively. All Americans – whether adults or children, in all places, whether in a school, synagogue, shopping mall, movie theatre or nightclub – should be as free of the fear and threat of gun violence as we can reasonably assure. We urge Senators to pass legislation that contains constructive and practical measures that will help assure a safer and more secure American society.”