JFCS East Bay mourns the tragic loss of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, whose lives were taken last night during an event dedicated to humanitarian and interfaith work at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
We affirm the dignity of every human life, and we stand against all forms of hate.
May their memories be a blessing.
On May 21, 2025, a tragic and targeted shooting occurred outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., resulting in the deaths of Israeli Embassy staffers Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. The couple had attended a reception for young diplomats hosted by the American Jewish Committee and were leaving the event when they were fatally shot. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, 31, from Chicago, was arrested at the scene. During his arrest, he reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” and declared, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,” indicating that the attack was politically and ideologically motivated .
Rodriguez had flown from Chicago with a handgun and purchased a ticket to the event shortly before the attack. Authorities have charged him with two counts of first-degree murder, and the FBI is investigating the incident as a hate crime and act of terrorism.
Yaron Lischinsky, 30, was an Israeli citizen who had been planning to propose to Sarah Milgrim during a trip to Israel. Sarah Milgrim, 26, was from Prairie Village, Kansas, and had recently graduated with degrees in international studies and policy. She had been working at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., since November 2023 and was known for her dedication to peacebuilding and cross-cultural understanding.
The shooting has sparked widespread condemnation from various communities and organizations, emphasizing the need to combat hate and promote unity. A candlelight vigil was held in Washington, D.C., to honor the victims and reaffirm the commitment to peace and coexistence.
This devastating event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by political violence and the importance of fostering understanding and dialogue among diverse communities.
