Enough is enough. As Jews, we will not remain silent. We need your help to call on our legislators in Illinois and demand they keep domestic violence victims safe from firearms. Please urge your representative to support the Karina’s Bill (SB 2633/HB 4469).
Background:
On July 3rd, 2023, Karina and her 15-year-old daughter Daniel were killed by Karina's husband, even though she had filed for an order of protection that could have protected her from the firearm. Like Karina, Adrianna Lopez, on October 22 that same year, was killed by her boyfriend after filing an order of protection against her ex-boyfriend. Karina and Adrianna are two different women who were victims of domestic violence and turned to our legal system for help, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough. Together, we can work together to ensure that tragedies like these never happen again.
That’s why the Illinois Religious Action Center is advocating for the passage of Karina's Bill, named in honor of Karina Gonzalez. Karina’s Bill will clarify and strengthen the law to require a firearm be removed from a home when a domestic violence survivor is granted an order of protection. It also closes loopholes that allow gun ownership without removing the gun itself.
Jewish Values:
Jewish tradition emphasizes the sanctity and eternal value of human life. The Talmud teaches that:
“One who takes a life, it is though they have destroyed the universe. And one who saves a life, it is as though they have saved the universe” (Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5).
The dehumanization of individuals and the carelessness with which human life is taken during incidents of gun violence stand in direct violation of these affirmations of our tradition. We are called upon to take action to prevent the loss of lives.
Leviticus 19:16 teaches us, "Do not stand idly by while your neighbor's blood is shed." Instead of issuing empty calls for thoughts and prayers as substitutes for action, we are compelled to heed the lessons from our scripture and demand reform.
More Information:
For more information on this issue, contact RAC-IL state organizer Aaron Sofian at asofian@rac.org.
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