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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Office of Public Information JEWISH COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS OUTRAGED AT SHOOTINGS AT GRANADA HILLS JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER IN LOS ANGELES August 11, 1999 -- New York -- The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) expressed its shock and horror over yesterday's shooting at a Jewish Community Center in Granada Hills, California. The perpetrator, still at-large, shot five people including three children and two adults. In a statement today, JCPA Chair, Steven Schwarz said: "This senseless act of violence on innocent and defenseless children underscores our country's great need for effective gun control. Tragic events like this one remind us that Congress must act swiftly to pass the gun control provisions included in the Senate version of the juvenile justice bill. It is critical that citizens meet with their representatives now, while Congress is in recess, and impress upon them the will of the public on this issue. "The chilling image of innocent young children walking hand-in-hand led by police away from the Jewish Community Center - the crime scene - will not soon be forgotten. This act of violence has unjustly threatened the sanctity and safety of our community's institutions. While we are yet uncertain of a motive, I urge people to reserve judgement until the FBI and other law enforcement officials have learned more about the perpetrator and his intentions. It is important that all communal and religious institutions remain open, active, and conduct business as usual. As always, prudent precautions must be exercised." ### The Jewish Council for Public Affairs is the public affairs arm of the organized Jewish community and serves as the national coordinating and advisory body for the 13 national and 122 local agencies comprising the field of Jewish community relations. |
