Jewish Community United In Grief and Strength After Anti-Semitic Shootings
American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO Ted Deutch released the following statement after the tragic shooting of two people after AJC’s annual Young Diplomats reception in Washington, D.C. on May 22:
“At this painful moment, we mourn with the victims’ families, loved ones, and all of Israel. May their memories be for a blessing.
“At moments like these, the Jewish community stands strongly together. We are also immensely grateful for the outpouring of support from our friends and allies around the world.”
The Westchester Jewish Council: “We mourn from our hearts and from our souls, the tragic killing of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim – two workers at the Israeli embassy. Sarah and Yaron were murdered while attending a program sponsored by the AJC—a program that was dedicated to building community ties and peace. Baruch Dayan HaEmet – May their memories serve as a blessing and as an inspiration to pursue goodness and light and to stand together over hatred and darkness.”
Our sacred teachings remind us that “Whoever destroys one life is considered to have destroyed an entire world.” (Sanhedrin 4:5)
Ronald Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress: “The attack outside the Capital Jewish Museum, which claimed the lives of Yaron Lishinsky z’’l and Sarah Milgram z’’l, is a devastating reminder that the danger facing Jewish communities is not history—it is real and ever-present.”
“These were two individuals who dedicated their lives to building bridges between people and communities, rather than walls.”
“Though this brazen act of violence occurred on American soil, its message was meant to cause Jews everywhere to tremble with fear.”
“But let there be no mistake—this act of terror will not drive us into the shadows. We will not hide our faces or our symbols. We will live openly and proudly, as a courageous people.”
Rep. George Latimer: “Two innocent young people, Israeli Embassy workers, were gunned down while leaving an event at the Capitol Jewish Museum. A murderer yelled ‘Free Palestine’ and shot and killed them. They were planning an engagement and a life together. There is no justification for this hatred and antisemitism. We grieve their loss today.”
Rep. Mike Lawler: “I am shocked and saddened by this act of violence right in the heart of our nation’s capital. My prayers are with the families of the victims, the Jewish people, and the Israeli embassy staff as they mourn.”
“May the perpetrator of this heinous act of antisemitic violence be swiftly served justice.”
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins: “In response to the tragic killing of two Israeli Embassy staff members, Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., we have implemented increased monitoring and enhanced security measures around our faith-based organizations to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities.
“There is—and must be—no place in our societies for this violence. We must continue to speak out against hatred in all its forms, and work together to build a world rooted in peace, understanding and respect.”
Westchester County Board of Legislators: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms the tragic shooting that claimed the lives of two Israeli embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. This senseless act of violence represents an attack not only on these individuals and their families, but on the values of tolerance and respect that define our community.”
“Just days after we proudly celebrated Jewish American Heritage Month, we are reminded that the fight against hate and intolerance requires constant vigilance. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and stand in solidarity with our Jewish neighbors during this dark moment.”