A diverse panel of experts discussed gun violence in the Chicago community at a meeting of JUF’s Jewish Community Relations Council and Government Affairs Committee on Sept. 21.

Panelists included Chief Robert T. Tracy of the Chicago Police Department; Alderman Joe Moore (49th); Debra Wesley, founder and president of Sinai Community Institute located in North Lawndale; and Colleen Daley, executive director of Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.

“This is an issue of utmost concern to our community partners and relevant to many of our Federation agencies,” said JCRC Chairman David T. Brown.

Chief Tracy provided context to the overall gun-violence epidemic in the City of Chicago by highlighting that 89 percent of murders in Chicago are by gunshots, compared to the national average of 60-65 percent. Of the many strategies being implemented to curb gun violence, Tracy focused on the importance of keeping illegal guns off the streets.

Moore and Wesley discussed gun violence in their respective communities: Moore, shared a personal story of bearing witness to a shooting in his ward, which comprises the majority of Rogers Park and portions of West Ridge and Edgewater, while Wesley discussed her efforts to bring the NATAL model, which focuses on trauma and the mental health impact of violence, to Chicago. Wesley was inspired by the model while on a trip to Israel.

Concluding the program, Daley highlighted her organization’s work on legislation including concealed carry in places of worship. She also discussed effective advocacy tools for interested individuals and like-minded groups and mentioned two bills expected to surface this session a gun dealer licensing bill and a lethal violence restraining order.

David Golder, chair of JUF’s Government Affairs Committee, impressed a need for action. “The question we now must consider is where do we as a concerned community go from here?” he said.