B’nai B’rith President Seth J. Riklin and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:

We applaud House and Senate approval of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which contains important measures to reduce gun violence. Once enacted, the new law will result in the most significant gun violence prevention measures in nearly 30 years. We call on President Biden to promptly sign the bill into law.

The legislation includes modest restrictions on gun purchases and ownership. It provides $15 billion for mental health aid plus funds to fortify school security. Expanded criminal background checks are also included in the new law.

B’nai B’rith has long spoken out in favor of sensible gun reform measures. After the Uvalde, Texas, elementary school shooting last month that left 19 children and two teachers dead, we noted, “We are now well versed in the shorthand locations that identify a city or town where a mass murder took place…The Gun Violence Archive tallies 212 mass shootings in 2022 alone. That does not count the daily gun violence in our cities and towns.”

Too many Americans are terrorized by guns to the point where they don’t feel safe sending their children to school, attending worship services, going food shopping or out to a movie.

We understand that this measure and any subsequent laws won’t stop all gun violence. But this bill is an encouraging bipartisan step toward addressing an urgent nationwide problem. 

B’nai B’rith International has advocated for global Jewry and championed the cause of human rights since 1843. B’nai B’rith is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, a staunch defender of the State of Israel, a tireless advocate on behalf of senior citizens and a leader in disaster relief. With a presence around the world, we are the Global Voice of the Jewish Community. Visit www.bnaibrith.org