Two Israeli embassy employees murdered at the Jewish museum in Washington, DC
The suspicious archer cried out, “Free Palestine!” When he was arrested at the Jewish Museum in Washington, DC
The head of the Jewish organization that hosted the event in Washington, where two Israeli embassy staff were fatally shot and killed, described the tragedy as “a shocking act of violence,” and said members of the Jewish community were “making each other even more tense tonight.”
Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Commission (AJC), thanked President Donald Trump, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, and law enforcement for their prompt action and support.
“It seems strongly that this is an attack motivated by hatred towards the Jews and the Jewish state,” Deutch said. “This meaningless hatred and violence must stop.”
The couple was shot dead on May 21 around 9pm as they left the Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum after the AJC’s annual Young Diplomat reception, authorities said. Metropolitan Police Station Chief Investigator Pameras Miss Aid believes one shooter was behind the attack.
Smith said the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, chanted “Free Palestine, Free Palestine” after being detained by event security.
The victims, Yaron Lisinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were locally employed staff, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said. Both were trying to promote a reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians, according to the advocacy groups they were involved in.
Tech2Peace, advocate that promotes dialogue between young Palestinians and Israelis, said Milgrim was an active volunteer who attended the seminar and “supported our team with his grace and commitment.”
“Her unwavering belief in energy, thoughtfulness, dialogue, peace and equality has influenced everyone who has the privilege of working with her,” the group said in a social media post.
Yechiel Leiter, the US ambassador to Israel, said Lischinsky had planned to buy an engagement ring and make a proposal to Milgrim in Jerusalem next week. The embassy has posted photos of Lischinsky and Milgrim on social media.
“Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. They were at the height of their lives,” Post says. “All the staff at the embassy are heartbroken and devastated by the murder, and we cannot express the depths of grief and fear over this devastating loss.
The filming occurred less than a week after the museum announced it was one of 11 local nonprofits to enhance security from its $500,000 grant program. The safe and secure DC grant targets nonprofit organizations that “increasing safety concerns.”
Beatrice Gerwitz, the museum’s executive director, told Local News 4 last week that, like many Jewish institutions, the museum faces serious security concerns.
“Jewish institutions across towns across the country are concerned due to the very scary security security that some institutions face, and because of the anti-Semitic environment,” Gruwitz said. “So we invest a lot of money in security so that we can keep our doors open to a wide range of public.
The Lillian & Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum describes its status as a history museum and a “public educational institution” that promises to build an inclusive, multi-ethnic democracy, teach “difficult” history, and nurture an anti-racist society.
The museum says on its website it “explores the Jewish experience in the metropolitan area and encourages visitors to connect, reflect and act.”
Museum officials have issued a statement saying, “I am deeply saddened and terrified by the meaningless violence outside the museum tonight.
The shooting comes as Israel faces international pressure on blockades against humanitarian delivery to Gaza. The lockdown was imposed in March, just before breaking the two-month-old ceasefire, urging aid agencies to warn of imminent hunger.
Trump, who is seeking a deal that will allow aid to flow into the enclave, remains a staunch supporter of Israel.
“These horrifying DC murders, clearly based on anti-Semitism, have to end now!” Trump said in a social media post after the shooting. “Hate and radicalism have no place in America. I express my sadness to the families of the victims. I am sad that this kind of thing can happen! God bless you!”
Contribution: Reuters
