I was saddened to read your March 11 article “Local teen’s suicide sheds light on tragedy of depression.” My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Michael Worth as they deal with the tragic loss of their son. Your article highlights a hugely important issue that faces the young people of our state. In Missouri we have a high level of youth suicide: It is the second leading cause of death among 10-24 year olds. At the State Capitol, I have filed Senate Bill 328, which has gained the support of a wide variety of education groups and mental health advocates, including Avery’s Angels Foundation, CHADS Coalition, the Missouri School Boards’ Association and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

This bill provides opportunities for educators and school personnel to receive training in suicide awareness and prevention. As more people working in the field of education choose to take this training and learn to see signs and symptoms, and how to intervene, more students in crisis are likely to get the help and support they need before they choose an irrevocable path.

By using a model policy, or creating its own, a school district will provide learning opportunities around the issue of suicide awareness and prevention. As we know, education can be the tool to provide change. School districts will become better equipped to deal proactively with students who might need support with mental health and other issues.

SB 328 was voted out of the Education Committee on March 4 with a unanimous vote in favor. The estimated cost to the state, which is independently determined, is zero. I hope this bill will soon advance to the Senate floor for consideration by the entire body. We have so much to do in addressing the tragedy of suicide deaths among our young people. This is a step in the right direction.

State Sen. Jill Schupp, 24th Senatorial District

Kol Rinah leaders clarify status of BSKI building

Regarding the recent article in the Light concerning vandalism at the BSKI building, we want to emphasize that, contrary to any suggestion otherwise, the BSKI building is not vacant. Our BSKI building is a sacred space and it remains capable of use as a synagogue.  We have taken appropriate steps to ensure that the Richmond Heights Police Department clearly understands the status of the building.  We also want to clarify that at this time there has been no determination regarding whether the suspects will be charged with violating Missouri statutes that allow for the enhancement of punishment where the perpetrator is motivated by the religion of the victim. Any such decision rests with either the prosecutor of Richmond Heights or St. Louis County.

Mitchell Shenker, Kol Rinah President  

Patricia Cohen, Kol Rinah Board Chair

President ‘re-evaluating’ U.S.-Israel relationship

I was saddened by President Barack Obama’s petulant announcement that he was re-evaluating the longstanding relationship between the United States and Israel. His “reason” for the major change in U.S. policy? That he could no longer trust Benjamin Netanyahu after Bibi’s statement during the bitter election campaign that Bibi subsequently “walked back.” The president has much experience himself with such statements/walk-backs, and knows it was no reason for a major re-evaluation of our relationship with Israel.  President Obama’s statement at AIPAC in 2012 that the US would always have Israel’s back was “walked back” later that day. His “If you like your insurance, you can keep your insurance” was “walked back” a dozen times. No, our president has always wanted to downgrade the U.S. relationship with Israel, and this was his excuse. Mr. President, have you no shame? 

Richard H. Senturia, Director Citizens for a Just and Lasting Peace in the Middle East

Where are the clergy now?

With the killing of six year old Marcus Johnson in his family’s van in O’Fallon Park, and the shooting of two police officers in Ferguson (neither of whom were on the Ferguson Police), why aren’t the rabbis and the other clergy who have been active in Ferguson asking the criminals to repent? They need to be there now, not when officers were unfairly judged guilty for wearing a uniform and being white. Now is the time you are needed up there. Why aren’t you there now?

Bob Rosenfield, Manchester