John, 

It is a heavy week. This week, we mark the anniversaries of two shootings that hit close to home for us at the Alliance. Sixteen years ago yesterday, a gunman opened fire at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, killing Pam Waechter and wounding five other women in a hate-fueled attack against the Jewish community. Tomorrow marks six years since a 19-year-old gunman, armed with a semi-automatic assault rifle, entered a small gathering of friends in Mukilteo, WA and began to shoot, killing Anna, Jordan, and Jake and wounding Will. 

Both of these tragedies struck near the Alliance’s homebase in Seattle, serving as immediate and painful reminders for many of us of the toll of gun violence. Sadly, while these shootings were uniquely devastating to those of us close to them, tragedies like this are far too common. This week also marked the third anniversary of the mass shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, which killed three people and wounded 47 others. Next week, will bring the anniversaries of El Paso, Dayton, and Oak Creek. 

These mass shootings have come to define the American gun violence epidemic. None of our peer countries experience similar horror. None of their children fear being shot in their classrooms. None of their shopping malls, movie theaters, houses of worship, and workplaces are haunted by the possibility of gunfire. 

We do not have to live like this and we do not have to die like this.

As we honor the victims and survivors of these mass shootings, we also remember that they account for just a fraction of the gun violence in our communities. The vast majority of gun deaths and injuries never make headlines. We never learn the anniversaries to mark. But those shootings are no less devastating for those directly touched by them. 

This week, we are reflecting on why we keep fighting. We work tirelessly to strengthen our gun laws, to secure investments in community-based programs, and to take on the gun lobby because we believe no one should have to endure the pain of losing a loved one to gun violence. We keep fighting because we know that gun violence is preventable. 

Today, we are recommiting to our pledge to honor the victims and survivors of gun violence with action. We’re glad to have you with us. 

– Renée (she/her)

P.S. If you would like to support our lifesaving work, you can do so here.