Editor’s Note: Police have arrested the alleged shooter, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO Ted Deutch released the following statement following the confirmation from government officials that two individuals — Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky — were shot and killed Wednesday evening while leaving AJC’s annual Young Diplomats reception at Washington, D.C.’s Capital Jewish Museum.
“Sarah and Yaron were stolen from us,” said AJC CEO Ted Deutch. “Moments before they were murdered, they were smiling, laughing, and enjoying an event with colleagues and friends. We are in shock and heartbroken as we attempt to process this immense tragedy.”
“Sarah, an American Jew from Overland Park, Kansas, was warm and compassionate, committed to peacebuilding and passionate about sustainability and people-to-people relations. She was engaged with AJC as a lay leader of AJC ACCESS, AJC’s Young Professional Division, and was a beloved member of the AJC-Mimouna Michael Sachs Fellowship for Emerging Leaders community, where she joined other American, Israeli, French, and Moroccan leaders focused on advancing relations in the Middle East and North Africa.
“Yaron always had a smile on his face and a welcoming presence. As a staff member of the Political Department at the Embassy of Israel focused on Middle East issues, he attended numerous AJC events throughout his time in Washington. At last night’s event, he shared how excited he was to be going back home to spend the Jewish holiday of Shavuot with his family in Israel.
“Words cannot adequately express our sorrow. We mourn with Sarah and Yaron’s families, their friends, and all who loved them. May their memories be a blessing.
“While we wait for the conclusion of the police investigation – and urge all our friends and allies to do the same – it strongly appears that this was an attack motivated by hate against the Jewish people and the Jewish state. This senseless hate and violence must stop.
“We thank President Trump and his administration, Mayor Bowser and her administration, and all other relevant law enforcement and government officials in D.C and nationally for their swift action and support.
“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.”
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In addition, there were these comments:
Anti-Defamation League‘s CEO and National Director Jonathan Greenblatt:
Last night there was a heinous attack against Jewish people outside of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The suspect in the killings of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim is reported to have shouted “Free, Free Palestine” as he was being taken into custody.
Our hearts are broken for the victims. This was an attack on Jewish Americans and indeed all Americans.
We know that words have consequences. When antisemitic rhetoric is normalized, tolerated, or even amplified in our public discourse, it creates an environment where violence against Jews becomes more likely. In a climate of relentless antisemitism in the U.S. and globally since Oct. 7, 2023, unfortunately, this tragedy was inevitable. Already it has led to Jewish students on campus being attacked in libraries and on the quad, Jews walking to synagogue attacked, and Jewish businesses and synagogues targeted.
Antisemitism was already at historic levels. ADL’s latest Audit of Antisemitic Incidents tracked a total of 9,354 antisemitic incidents in the U.S. in 2024, an increase of 5 percent from the previous year and a 344 percent increase over the past five years. This is the highest number of attacks against Jews on record since ADL began tracking incidents 46 years ago.
And now, we have this tragic murder of two innocent young people in the prime of their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and the entire Jewish community at this difficult time.
It’s time for all Americans to come together to say that antisemitism has no place in our country, and for all of our leaders to work together to root out this evil and hate.
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Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation (AJCF) Director General Jack Simony shared: “Last night’s horrific attack in Washington is a chilling reminder of the consequences when influential voices use their platforms to spread hate and misinformation.
History has shown us where this path can lead. Adolf Hitler, in many ways the influencer of his time, exploited mass communication to direct a society’s anger toward the Jewish community and other minorities. Today, some modern influencers and leaders use social media and public platforms to do the same, again targeting Jews and other marginalized groups to drive engagement through outrage and division.
In the aftermath of this violence, we are deeply grateful to the allies of the Jewish community who have stepped forward in solidarity. Your support strengthens and uplifts us in this difficult moment. We call on others—leaders, neighbors, and communities—to do the same: to stand up and stand with us against bigotry in all its forms.
The lesson from both history and last night is clear: words have power. They shape perceptions, justify actions, and can either incite violence or build understanding. If we fail to confront hate wherever it emerges, we risk allowing history’s darkest chapters to be repeated. Let us learn, and act, before more lives are shattered.
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B’nai B’rith President Robert Spitzer and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin: We are outraged and devastated by the attack last night at the Capital Jewish Museum, which left two young Israeli Embassy staffers dead. The shooter reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” as he opened fire—a chilling reminder that anti-Zionism IS anti-Semitism.
The young professionals ‘event where the shooter opened fire was hosted by AJC and was called “Turning Pain Into Purpose.” Its purpose was interfaith collaboration. Attendees were focused on helping in humanitarian crises around the world.
This is morally depraved and hateful violence and is clearly a vile act of anti-Semitic terrorism.
Our hearts are with the victims’ families and loved ones, and all embassy staffers.
Jewish terrorism must not be tolerated on American soil. We are heartened by the forceful statements from the White House and others.
We stand with the D.C. Jewish community, Jews across the United States and the people of Israel in mourning this senseless tragedy.
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California Legislative Jewish Caucus Co-Chair State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco: Last night, two young people — an American Jew; and an Israeli Christian — were murdered at an American Jewish Committee event at a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C. The shooter was chanting ‘free, free Palestine.’
For millenia, Jew have been targeted with violence. Violence against Jews has escalated in recent years, in the U.S. and around the world. Jews constitute 2% of the U.S. population, yet 15% of all hate crimes and 68% of all religion-based hate crimes are committed against Jews. More and more Jewish institutions, including synagogues, have been forced to take security measures, even including metal detectors, in response to this violence.
Violence against Jews has a root cause: antisemitism. The massive proliferation of conspiracy theories, demonization, dehumanization, and stereotyping of Jews — perpetuated on social media, in politics, in our schools, in social gatherings, and other spaces — has consequences and leads to violence. We must not tolerate antisemitism in any of its forms.
As co-chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, I work closely with my Jewish colleagues and our allies to fight antisemitism and support Jewish communities up and down the state. We’ll continue to do that work and to ensure community organizations have the resources they need to be safe.
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Democratic Majority for Israel President and CEO Brian Romick made the following statement: “We’re horrified and sickened by the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy employees on Wednesday night outside of the Capital Jewish Museum. Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky were attending a Jewish Heritage Month celebration and were murdered in what appears to be a targeted act of antisemitism and terror. Let’s be clear: antisemitism must have no place in our society and should be condemned. Jews must be able to gather safely in Washington, D.C. and around the world. …
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IsraAID is shocked by the killing of two Israeli embassy workers outside an AJC-hosted event in Washington D.C. where IsraAID colleagues were the keynote speakers. Our hearts are with their families and loved ones in the face of this senseless loss. May their memory be a blessing.
This event with our partners at the Multi Faith Alliance focused on bringing humanitarian aid to Gaza through Israeli-Palestinian and regional collaboration. We, and all the attendees, gathered in the interest of finding practical solutions to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and showing that working together is the only way forward for all the people in the region. The brutal and tragic irony that such an event – motivated by humanitarian principles – was targeted for more violence is heartbreaking. We unequivocally condemn this attack.
As both an independent Israel-based NGO and international humanitarian aid group, IsraAID has played a key role in bringing relevant actors to the table throughout the conflict – Israelis, Palestinians and INGOs – with the aim of averting a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Alongside working hand-in-hand with Israeli communities attacked on October 7 to rebuild their lives, we have worked day-and-night with partners to facilitate and support bringing essential aid and medical support to crisis-affected people in Gaza.
IsraAID remains committed to the pursuit of a future where communities living through crisis have the strength, support, and opportunities they need to build a more resilient tomorrow – regardless of race, nationality, or creed.
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The Jewish Agency for Israel is horrified by the brutal terror attack in Washington, DC, which claimed the lives of Israeli embassy employees Yaron Lishinsky and Sarah Milgram. This heinous act of violence, carried out near the Capital Jewish Museum and during an American Jewish Committee (AJC) event, is a hate crime that underscores the urgent need to confront the rising tide of global antisemitism.
In the face of this growing threat—especially in the United States and Europe—The Jewish Agency continues to serve as a vital link between the Jewish people and the State of Israel, with a steadfast commitment to ensure resilience and security for all Jewish people, in Israel and around the world.
Since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, The Jewish Agency has significantly expanded its network of shlichim (Israeli emissaries) serving Jewish communities and campuses worldwide. These efforts are bolstered by the work of the Fund for Victims of Terror and the Security Assistance Fund for Jewish Communities, which provide targeted support in times of crisis.
Major General (Res.) Doron Almog, Chairman of The Jewish Agency, stated: “The Jewish Agency grieves and mourns the loss of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who were murdered in the horrifying antisemitic attack in Washington, DC. Yaron and Sarah were individuals of deep conviction, standing at the forefront of Israeli diplomacy out of a profound sense of mission and love for their people. Their murder is a devastating loss for their families, their community, and our entire nation. This despicable act is a direct result of the alarming surge in antisemitism in the U.S. and around the world. Out of this profound pain, we remain resolute in our mission to strengthen the people of Israel and the State of Israel.”
Yehuda Setton, CEO and Director General of The Jewish Agency, added: “The pain is immense, and our hearts are broken. Just two weeks ago, I visited the Jewish community in DC, meeting with our dedicated shlichim, partners, and local employees. The fact that this place has now become the scene of yet another unthinkable antisemitic act is chilling. This attack is a painful reminder that hatred knows no borders—and that our shlichim and Jewish communities are on the front lines. We are committed to standing with them, supporting them, and ensuring that they are never alone.”
Mark Wilf, Chairman of The Jewish Agency Board of Governors, said: “We are heartbroken by the loss of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim — dedicated emissaries who embodied the values of service, connection, and unity. Their tragic deaths are a stark reminder of the dangers of baseless hate. At The Jewish Agency, we stand united in our resolve to confront antisemitism wherever it appears and to ensure that Jewish communities around the world have the support and security they need. This moment demands solidarity, strength, and unwavering commitment to our shared future.”
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Jewish Democratic Council of America‘s CEO Halie Soifer: We are horrified and heartbroken following the antisemitic attack last night at the Capital Jewish Museum, where two Israeli Embassy staff members were murdered in an act of targeted violence directed at the Jewish community.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, our friends at the Israeli Embassy and the American Jewish Committee, and all those affected by this tragedy. Our hearts break following the loss of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, who were soon to be engaged, and dedicated their careers and lives to bridging divisions and bringing about peace. We pray for and wish refuah shlemah, a full recovery and healing, for the two individuals critically injured in the attack, and stand with all those affected by this unconscionable act of antisemitic violence.
This attack, occurring at a site dedicated to preserving and celebrating Jewish American history, is a painful reminder of the persistent and dangerous threat of antisemitism. For those who have been warning about rising antisemitic rhetoric and beliefs manifesting into violence, this attack is our worst nightmare, and we must do everything we can to protect Jewish institutions and Jews in the United States, who should not have to live in fear.
On this dark day, we renew our resolve and commitment to a future where all people, regardless of faith or background, can live free from violence and hatred.
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Jewish Future Promise President Hadara Ishak:
“What happened in Washington, D.C., last night was not a random act of violence. It was a targeted attack on Jews, on Israeli diplomats, on the Jewish community, and on everything we stand for. Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were murdered in cold blood simply because they were Jewish. Let’s stop pretending otherwise.
This is the horrific consequence of what happens when antisemitic hate is allowed to fester. When world leaders, university professors, social media influencers, and protest organizers normalize hate against Jews, this is the result. When mobs chant for intifada and call for the destruction of Israel in the name of “justice,” this is the result. When too many stay silent, excuse terrorism, and demonize Israel without acknowledging the threats Jews face globally, this is the result.
We are not guessing at motive. We are not speculating. We are witnessing the deadly fallout of a culture that tolerates and even rewards antisemitism, so long as it’s cloaked in politics.
Let this be a line in the sand. The Jewish Future Promise condemns this act as what it is: antisemitic terrorism on U.S. soil. And we demand that every leader, every institution, and every voice of conscience do the same, without hesitation and euphemism.
Jewish Americans are under attack. And if we do not meet this moment with moral clarity and action, we will all bear responsibility for what comes next.
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Mizrahi Family Charitable Fund‘s Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi: I write today with a broken heart. Last night, my friend and climate colleague Sarah Milgram and her soon-to-be fiancé, Yaron Lischinsky, were murdered in cold blood by a terrorist who shouted “Free Palestine” after taking their lives. It was a horrifying, antisemitic assassination that has left those who knew and loved them reeling.
Sarah was a young, passionate, and brilliant environmental advocate. She worked on climate and sustainability issues at the Embassy of Israel in Washington, DC, and was deeply committed to building a more peaceful and sustainable world. Just eight days ago, I spoke with her about an upcoming climate initiative. She was full of energy and optimism. Recently, I attended an Earth Day event she organized, which featured Israeli environmental nonprofit leaders. Her leadership shone through—bright, compassionate, and determined.
Sarah’s environmental career was inspiring. At the young age of 26 she already:
–Held dual Master’s degrees in International Affairs and Sustainable Development.
–Had worked on deer issues, reforestation, clean water and fighting harmful chemicals.
–Researched peacebuilding religious engagement in Israel, India, and Central America.
–Supported EPA Clean Water Act efforts and collaborated with the Smithsonian on field ecology.
–Was dedicated to grassroots initiatives and bridging divides through dialogue and data.
–Had helped climate startups and breakthroughs that could reduce GHG and improve resilience.
Sarah truly embodied the Jewish value of tikkun olam—repairing the world. Her loss is devastating not only to her family and friends but to the entire global environmental and Jewish communities. We mourn not only the vibrant life that was stolen but also the future she was helping to build. Her boyfriend Yaron was a devoted Christian who also was visionary.
At this same moment, Israelis are in bomb shelters. Innocent civilians in Gaza are suffering. So many of us continue to call for the release of all hostages and an end to the violence and war.
But today, I simply ask you to take a moment to reflect on Sarah Milgram and Yaron Lischinsky. May their memories be a blessing and a call to action—for peace, for justice, and for protecting life on this planet.
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Orthodox Union: The brazen demands for an end to the Jewish State and the globalization of the intifada have always been a call to violence.
The call was answered.
These antisemitic murders committed in our nation’s capital are a direct result of the organized and effective effort to demonize the Jewish state and to build hatred and encourage violence towards anyone associated with Israel. This should – and likely will not – be a wake-up call to those who self-righteously condemn Israel while ignoring its existential threats; who fail to recognize that antisemitism is a tinder box ready to be ignited by their irresponsible words; and who have yet to accept hat calls for violence are not protected speech.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, bright young people committed to advancing the cause of peaceful coexistence between Israel and her neighbors and between people of all faiths. This commitment was evident in their educational and career choices and in what they wrote about and fought for. We were privileged to see that developing commitment up close in Sarah’s meaningful involvement with NCSY’s Jewish Student Union in Prairie Village, Kansas. Sarah and Yaron were focused on spreading good in the world and they were cut down by a fire spread by those who tolerate and promote evil.
We thank law enforcement for their swift response and pray for strength for our friends at the Israeli Embassy and the American Jewish Committee.”
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Republican Jewish Coalition CEO Matt Brooks said:
The RJC condemns in the strongest possible terms the murder of two staffers from the Embassy of Israel outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. We are praying for the victims and their families. Those responsible for this heinous attack must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and we have full confidence in the Trump administration to deliver swift and righteous justice.
Since October 7th, we have seen a dramatic spike in lawlessness, violence, sickening antisemitism and anti-Americanism from coast to coast, on our college campuses and on our streets.
This horrific attack requires complete, total, and forceful condemnation from everyone. Silence is not an option—it is complicity.
This a blaring warning to all Americans, across the political spectrum, that the world’s oldest hatred continues to plague our society, and we must stand together to confront it wherever and whenever it appears.
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The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is outraged at the horrific antisemitic terrorist attack outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., that claimed the lives of two young staff members of the Israeli Embassy. Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were not only colleagues but were soon to be engaged in Jerusalem.
“Two young lives were tragically cut short while attending an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee for young Jewish professionals to discuss the importance of humanitarian service. This is an outrageous assault on the Jewish State and Jewish people everywhere,” said United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Chairman Stuart E. Eizenstat. “Inciteful antisemitic rhetoric is a growing and increasingly deadly danger to Jews and societies worldwide. It must be forcibly and universally condemned. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and colleagues at this time of great loss.”
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United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism: We at USCJ and the Rabbinical Assembly are filled with profound sadness, tremendous anger, outrage, and vulnerability as we grieve the loss of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, may their memory be a blessing. Each of them worked for the Israeli embassy and committed themselves to supporting Zionism, the Jewish State, and the Jewish people.
This blatantly antisemitic attack happened outside a museum dedicated to our Jewish heritage in our nation’s capital, at an event sponsored by our colleagues and friends at the American Jewish Committee. These murders come while our 58 hostages remain in Hamas captivity and global antisemitism continues to threaten our people.
After this horrific violence, we will continue to work closely with our communities and clergy throughout the world to grieve together, ensure our security, and strive for a world in which Jewish people no longer live in danger.
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World Jewish Congress President Ronald Lauder said: Last night’s 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.
We call on President Trump and leaders around the world to take urgent action to root out those who threaten our shared values and way of life. Security must be reinforced at Jewish institutions everywhere—before more lives are lost.
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Zionist Organization of America National President Morton A. Klein shared: “The Zionist Organization of America ZOA condemns the brutal antisemitic murder of two innocent staffers of the Israel embassy outside the Capital Jewish Museum. This heinous act by a subhuman killer must be publicly condemned by everyone.
We must understand that the Jew-hating Hamas-supporting Palestinian Arabs were offered and rejected a State 8 times in the last 80 years, starting with the Peel Commission offer of 95% of the rest of Palestine (Jordan already controlled 80% of Palestine). They were offered and rejected a state 4 times in the last 20 years. Their goal is not a State- it is to murder every Jew and destroy the Jewish State as the Hamas charter proclaims. In fact, PA Leader Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Authority pay Arabs a lifetime pension to murder Jews. Neither the UN nor the world ever condemns this Nazi like policy.
We must now double down to quash the terrorist promoting demonstrations on college campuses calling to globalize the intifada (meaning murdering every Jew), destroy the Jewish State, praising Arab Islamic terrorists and terrorist groups, attacking Jewish students and blocking their entrance to buildings. This must stop! This only inspires hatred and violence!
ZOA urges Ted Deutch of the American Jewish Committee, Dennis Ross of the Washington Institute of Near East Policy, AIPAC, Jonathan Greenblatt of ADL, Rick Jacobs of the Reform Jews, and Blumenthal of the Conservative Jews, and the Reconstructionist Jews and others to immediately retract their support for a Palestinian Arab terror state. We urge Moshe Hauer of Orthodox Union, the Dan Mariaschin of Bnai Brith, William Daroff and Harriet Schleifer of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, StandWithUs and others to publicly oppose a Palestinian Arab State as Israel’s Foreign minister Gidon Saar and PM Netanyahu asked of us last February in Jerusalem, Israel.
We pray for the families of the murdered Jews. May their souls be for a blessing.”
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Preceding compiled from news releases