Twenty-five members of San Rafael’s Congregation Rodef Sholom were among the Bay Area Jews who took part June 2 in a march across the Golden Gate Bridge to promote National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
More than 300 people, most clad in orange, were at the event organized by Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. The march was one of several events held across the country.
“We had Jewish marchers of all ages from Danville, Lafayette, Palo Alto, Marin and San Francisco,” said Eileen Soffer, national coordinator of Rabbis Against Gun Violence, one of several co-sponsors of the event. “It was invigorating and lots of fun, and many drivers on the bridge honked and waved in support.
“Our message is that wearing orange is to remember and honor victims of gun violence and to turn that message into action by educating and advocating for safer gun laws,” Soffer said. “We know we can build safer communities and not infringe on Second Amendment rights.”
Rabbi Menachem Creditor, spiritual leader at Congregation Netivot Shalom in Berkeley and the founder of Rabbis Against Gun Violence, said the sea of orange painted an important picture.
“Judaism has long seen the power in visual reminders, from fringed garments to head coverings, each garment a call to mindfulness,” he said. “Wearing orange is a kindred American ritual, created by teen survivors of gun violence as an act of hope, a reminder to not stand idly by.”