J Street Condemns Horrific Anti-Israel, Antisemitic Attack in Washington DC, Mourns Two Victims

Washington, DC – Following the deadly anti-Israel, antisemitic shooting of two Israeli Embassy employees outside the Capital Jewish Museum following an American Jewish Committee event in Washington, DC, J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami released the following statement:

“We could not be more horrified by the brazen, terrifying attack that has claimed the lives of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky. We are simply heartbroken for the loved ones and friends of Sarah and Yaron, a spectacular young couple whose families should have been celebrating their engagement next week in Jerusalem. Instead, they will mourn their senseless loss.

The targeting of an event dedicated to diplomacy, peace and coexistence with a focus on humanitarian aid makes this all the more shocking and painful. Our deepest condolences go out to their families, friends and colleagues. May their memories be a blessing.

We recognize also that this was not just an attack on two individuals – it was an act of political terror and antisemitic violence that strikes fear into a deeply shaken community. All across our community, staff at Jewish organizations and synagogues, parents at Jewish schools, Israeli diplomats, and many who wear a yarmulke, Magen David or other visible signs of their faith are grappling with very real fears for their safety.

We have been deeply disturbed by rising antisemitism at the extremes of American politics – left and right – and around the world. Opposition to the government of Israel and deep anguish over the suffering of innocents in Gaza must never be used to justify targeting Jews, Israelis or Jewish institutions in the United States. We condemn this attack without equivocation, and call on all Jewish and pro-Palestinian groups to do the same.

We call on Congress and the Trump Administration to ensure the Nonprofit Security Grant Program is fully funded to ensure synagogues, Jewish schools and other places that Jews gather in the United States are properly protected. This is a dark and difficult day for our community, and we must respond with compassion and support.”