More than 100,000 are expected to descend on the National Mall in Washington in an effort to bring the issue to the forefront of election-year debates. Synagogues and Jewish organizations from around the country are sending delegations, and local communities are also planning smaller marches. The pending event seems to have bridged the gaps that often separate Jews of different streams. Endorsers include organizations normally polarized by religion and politics, ranging from the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism to the Orthodox Union. In Los Angeles, about 30 mothers have been meeting at the JCC every two weeks since the shooting, according to Francine Naor, whose daughters escaped the shooting unharmed.
Statistics say youth are at risk as potential victims of gun violence.
The FBI reports that 65 percent of all murders in 1998 were committed with a firearm.