This past week, a colleague and I shared these thoughts about the tragic and senseless murders of two Israeli Embassy Staff members in Washington.
We are heartbroken by the tragic murders of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky in Washington, D.C., outside the Capital Jewish Museum on Wednesday, May 22. Sarah, an American Jew, and Yaron, a Christian Israeli, had just attended an event for Israeli diplomats dedicated to improving humanitarian conditions in Gaza — before their lives were cut short by a senseless act of terror.
Sarah and Yaron were devoted to peace and understanding. Sarah, who grew up in the Kansas City suburbs, dedicated much of her life to nurturing interfaith connections. Yaron, a proud advocate of the Abraham Accords, believed deeply in interfaith dialogue and the power of bridge-building. They were planning to become engaged on an upcoming trip to Jerusalem. The loss of their lives is nothing short of devastating.
Sarah and Yaron were targeted because they were leaving the Jewish museum. This violent attack in our nation’s capital was an act of hatred aimed at Jews, pure and simple. We must not ignore the hate speech and political rhetoric that fuels anti-Semitic violence. When bigotry festers, violence follows. We stand together in grief, solidarity, and in resolve to combat the scourge of hate and strengthen our Jewish pride and our Jewish institutions.
May Sarah and Yaron’s memories forever be a blessing. And may their lives remind us that the fight against antisemitism, bigotry, and extremism is urgent and upon all of us to carry forward. Together with all who grieve Sarah and Yaron, we pray for peace and for consolation for our sorrowing hearts.
