The Central Conference of American Rabbis grieves the deaths of at least 58 precious, irreplaceable human beings at the hands of a gunman in Las Vegas last night. We extend our deepest sympathy to the families who mourn their deaths. We pray for the healing of all those who were injured, more than 500 people.
Reform rabbis reiterate our oft-repeated call for common-sense federal and state gun legislation. We join the millions of Americans who are sadly no longer shocked, even as we are appalled, by yet another record-setting mass shooting.
Even we rabbis know that prayers are not sufficient today. Action is required, lest America continue to be in egregious violation of the biblical injunction, “You shall not stand idly by while your brother or sister bleeds” (Lev. 19:16).
Even through our horror, we pause for a moment of hakarat ha-tov, gratitude, for the first responders whose heroic and self-sacrificial efforts have saved lives. The City of Las Vegas, Clark County, the State of Nevada, and our nation may take pride in an extraordinary response to this unprecedented and horrific mass shooting.
Rabbi David E. Stern, President Rabbi Steven A. Fox, Chief Executive
Central Conference of American Rabbis