A woman is five times more likely to be murdered when her abuser has access to a firearm, and you have a chance to take action to keep these weapons out of the hands of domestic abusers. This is the system that failed Karina Gonzalez and her family. On July 3, 2023, Karina and her 15-year-old daughter Daniela were shot and 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.
Karina’s story is tragic, but she is not alone. Every day, domestic violence survivors and their children face increased threat when a firearm is in the home, even after an order of protection has been issued.
When domestic violence survivors go to the legal system for protection, we must ensure that protection works.
We understand that the Illinois General Assembly wanted to wait to find out how the U.S. Supreme Court would decide in United States V Rahimi. We now know the decision and it is clear that Karina’s Bill is constitutional.
As a member of the Jewish Community, I have been called to speak out against violence. 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. Accepting this charge, we insist that you support Karina’s Bill SB2633/HB4469 pass it before the end of the 103rd legislative session.
Vote YES on Karina's Bill!
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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