Washington, D.C., November 30, 2015 – In response to the tragic shooting at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, CO last Friday. Rabbi Marla J. Feldman, Executive Director of Women of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
"We are heartbroken by the shooting that occurred last Friday at Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains in which three people, a police officer and two civilians, were killed and nine others were injured. We mourn the lives lost in this horrific event, and pray for the healing of those who were injured and comfort for families of those whose lives were taken. That this violence occurred in a place dedicated to providing for women's health and wellbeing is especially painful.
"We condemn all acts of gun violence and those who perpetrate such violence must be held accountable for their actions. We have grave concerns too about rhetoric that inflames debate and sows division in our society. We call on all people of goodwill, including religious leaders and elected officials, not only to condemn this shocking act of violence, but also to refrain from the kind of rhetoric that may have helped foment it.
"Jewish tradition teaches us that 'one who takes a single life it is as though he has destroyed the entire universe' (Mishnah Sanhedrin 4:5). May the memories of those lost be for a blessing and may we all commit to rebuilding our shattered universe on principles of respect and dignity for all."