The Board of Trustees of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations has unanimously passed a resolution demanding strict gun control laws. The resolution called for outlawing “Saturday night specials” (hand guns) and for control and registration of all hand guns, rifles and shotguns. The UAHC’s 700 member congregations and one million members were asked by the Board to join a nation-wide public opinion mobilization for gun control until effective legislation is adopted by Congress and state legislatures. The statement was forwarded to the Presidential candidates, who were asked to make their views on the Issue known to the public and to members of Congress, UAHC officials said.
They said statistics showed that during this century, civilian gunfire has killed over 800,000 Americans, more than all the military fatalities In all ward from the Revolutionary War through Viet Nam. The UAHC said, “In 1970, hand guns killed only three persons In Tokyo, where strict gun control is In effect. During the same period, over 500 persons were shot to death in New York City.”
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
