Today, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization – issued the following statement in the wake of yesterday’s tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida.

Orthodox Union President Moshe Bane stated:

“The leadership of the Orthodox Union is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life yesterday at the Stoneman School in Parkland, Florida. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who perished, and we pray for the full recovery of those injured. All schools should be places where children are safe and can learn and grow without fear of harm.

“Through our OU Advocacy Center we have long worked to propose and advance important and practical policies to make schools safe. We have supported federal and state funding programs for school safety, including the Nonprofit Security Grant Program which helps nonpublic schools as well as many state and local security funding programs — including, recently, in the State of Florida.”

Orthodox Union Advocacy Center Executive Director Nathan Diament stated:

“At this critical time, school security funding programs must not be cut – indeed, they must be increased and expanded. We will work with federal and state policymakers to advance greater support for school security in the wake of yesterday’s events.

“Moreover, the Orthodox Union has long supported common sense measures to reduce gun violence – including banning certain sophisticated assault weapons such as the AR-15 used in yesterday’s attack. We will work with elected officials and coalition partners across the political spectrum to advance these policies for the security and welfare of all our children and families.”