A wave of grief and outrage swept through Washington, DC, as mourners gathered outside the White House to pay tribute to Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, two Israeli Embassy staffers who were shot dead outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum.
The vigil, organized by a friend of the victims, drew people from across communities, many of whom held Israeli and American flags, prayed for the deceased, and expressed growing alarm over the rising tide of antisemitism in the United States.
Lisa Kagel, who attended the vigil, voiced her shock and sorrow, describing the killings as “cold-blooded murder” of two young peace activists who “worked for unity among Arabs and Israelis.” Kagel said the Jewish community felt “gut-wrenching sadness, then anger” over the killings and the persistent rise in antisemitism.
“I wear a Magen David and a yellow hostage ribbon, and I get chased. We’re afraid to go around. We want to be strong and resilient, but we are afraid,” Kagel shared.
She added that Jewish people are now removing symbols of their identity out of fear for their safety.
Another attendee, Sigal, an Israeli-American woman, described the murders as “pure antisemitism.” She said the victims were not targeted because of their politics but simply because “they were Jewish.”
“We never imagined the world would not support the victims, but come after us,” Sigal said, adding that the Jewish community is now increasingly afraid to speak Hebrew in public or wear religious symbols.
She criticized law enforcement and local authorities for failing to respond to growing concerns within the Jewish community over the past year, despite numerous warnings.
Reza Farnud, an Iranian-American who also attended the vigil, said the attack was an assault on humanity, not just Judaism. Drawing parallels between terrorism in Iran and Israel, he urged unity beyond religious or national lines and called on leaders, including former President Donald Trump, to refuse negotiations with terrorists.
“We all have to get together—Jewish or non-Jewish—and fight back. We need to stand united,” Farnud said.
The two diplomats were killed on Wednesday evening. The suspect, identified as Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, allegedly shouted “Free, Free Palestine” while being arrested. According to police, Rodriguez initially pretended to be a bystander and later confessed to the shooting. Authorities are investigating the case as a potential hate crime or act of terrorism.
At the Israeli Embassy in DC, the flag flies at half-staff as a mark of mourning. The embassy remains under heightened security, with police maintaining a tight perimeter around the premises.
As the community grapples with the shocking loss, many called for increased protection for Jewish Americans, greater public awareness of antisemitism, and above all, solidarity in the face of hatred.
“We value life, peace, and morality,” said Sigal. “We gathered to sing songs of unity and pray—for comfort, for justice, and for strength.”
