Mr. Andrew Pollack, grieving father of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Meadow Pollack, who died at the horrific school shooting in Parkland, Florida three weeks ago, recently met with President Trump at the White House. Mr. Pollack said he couldn’t understand how, while authorities “protect airports, concerts, stadiums, and embassies,” we still don’t protect our children at school. He asked Mr. Trump, “How many schools, how many children have to get shot,” before they get adequate protection?

In the wake of this latest horrific attack on a school, we cannot and must not be complacent. When terrible events like the Parkland shooting happen, it is all too easy for those of us not immediately touched by the tragedy to feel that “there is nothing we can do,” “it’s not up to us,” or “this won’t happen to us.” But there is a great deal we can and should do, as individuals and as a community. We need to realize that even with all our tefilos (prayers) and bitachon (faith), it is also imperative for us to do our hishtadlus (action). Even one change to a school’s security measures can save a life.