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A young couple murdered outside of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington on Wednesday evening were due to be engaged.
Yaron Lischinsky, 28, had planned to propose to girlfriend Sarah Milgrim, 26, during a trip to Jerusalem next week, after recently purchasing an engagement ring.
The couple, both Israeli embassy staff members, had just left the American Jewish Committee’s ACCESS Young Diplomats Reception when they were shot at close range.
- Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, Israeli embassy staff, were fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum and were soon to be engaged.
- Suspect Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago was arrested after opening fire and chanting “Free, free Palestine” while in custody.
- Israeli PM Netanyahu called the shooting a terror act and ordered increased security for Israeli missions worldwide.
- Milgrim was a passionate peacebuilder and volunteer with Tech2Peace, focusing on Israeli-Palestinian dialogue and cooperation.
Lischinsky was planning to propose to Milgrim during a trip home next week
Image credits: Embassy of Israel
At the event, Lischinsky had shared how excited he was to be going back home to spend the Jewish holiday of Shavuot with his family in Israel.
Police have arrested suspected gunman Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago.
Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department Pamela Smith said that before the shooting, Rodriguez was observed pacing back and forth outside the museum.
He then approached a group of four people, produced a handgun, and opened fire, fatally striking Lischinsky and Milgrim, Smith said.
After the shooting, Rodriguez entered the museum and was detained by security.
While he was in custody, he chanted: “Free, free Palestine.”
Chicago man Elias Rodriguez has been named as the suspect arrested over the deadly shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum that killed 2 Israeli embassy staff in DC.
Someone with the same name is a Chicago communist activist who donated to Palestine causes.pic.twitter.com/T1cG71PEi9
— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) May 22, 2025
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his heart was breaking for the families of the couple “who were brutally murdered by a despicable anti-Semitic terrorist.”
In response to the incident, Netanyahu said he has instructed security officials to strengthen protection arrangements for Israeli missions around the world and to raise the level of security for all state envoys.
“Last night’s act of terror has the full attention of your FBI,” Deputy Director of the FBI Dan Bongino said.
“Targeted acts of anti-Semitic violence are typically carried out by spineless, gutless cowards. And the penalties will be harsh as we tighten up this investigation and run down any additional leads.”
Image credits: Facebook
Milgrim, an American Jew from Kansas, had been a part of the public diplomacy department for a year and a half, while Lischinsky worked in the embassy’s political department.
On her LinkedIn page, Milgrim detailed her extensive work on grassroots initiatives in the Israeli-Palestine region.
She described her passion as being “peacebuilding, religious engagement, and environmental work,” demonstrated by her work and university education.
Milgrim had a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from American University and a Master’s in Natural Resources and Sustainable Development from The University for Peace.
She was an active volunteer for Tech2Peace, which brings together young Israelis and Palestinians for intensive seminars focused on peacemaking and tech training.
Milgrim was passionate about peacebuilding and was an active volunteer
Image credits: Tech2Peace
Lischinsky, a German-Israeli citizen, worked as a research assistant for Middle East and North African affairs at the Embassy’s Political Department.
On his LinkedIn profile, he said he believed in “expanding the circle of peace with our Arab neighbors and pursuing regional cooperation” and was an advocate for “interfaith dialogue and intercultural understanding.”
He had a Master’s Degree in Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy from Reichman University and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and Asian Studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
The Israeli embassy to the U.S. said the couple were in the prime of their lives.
“This evening, a terrorist shot and killed them as they exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in DC,” a statement read.
Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. They were in the prime of their lives.
This evening, a terrorist shot and killed them as they exited an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in DC.
The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder. No words… pic.twitter.com/2HytKDp8Fr
— Embassy of Israel to the USA (@IsraelinUSA) May 22, 2025
“The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated by their murder.
“No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss. Our hearts are with their families, and the embassy will be by their side during this terrible time.”
U.S. President Donald Trump sent his condolences to the families.
“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW,” he posted on Truth Social after the attack.
“Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!”
“My heart breaks for Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, who were murdered last night at the Capital Jewish Museum,” Vice President JD Vance said Thursday.
“Antisemitic violence has no place in the United States. We’re praying for their families and all of our friends at the Israeli Embassy, where the two victims worked.”
Among those to pay tribute was Tech2Peace, who described Milgrim as a devoted and graceful volunteer.
“Her energy, thoughtfulness, and unwavering belief in dialogue, peace, and equality inspired everyone who had the privilege to work alongside her,” it said.
Tributes have been paid to Lischinsky and Milgrim
Image credits: Facebook
“Sarah was a deeply curious person, always seeking to learn and connect. She brought people together with empathy and purpose, and her dedication to building a better future was evident in everything she did.
“Her voice and spirit will be profoundly missed. Our hearts go out to Sarah’s family, friends, and loved ones.”
“May her memory be a blessing—and may it continue to inspire hope, courage, and connection in each of us,” the statement added.
Image credits: LinkedIn/Sarah Milgrim
The German-Israeli Society said Lischinsky would be remembered as an open-minded and committed person.
“We remember him as an open-minded, intelligent, and deeply committed person whose interest in German-Israeli relations and ways to achieve peaceful coexistence in the Middle East brightened the environment around him,” it said in a statement.
The American Jewish Committee (AJC) said Lischinsky “always had a smile on his face and a welcoming presence,” describing Milgrim as “warm and compassionate.”
“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.”
This is terribly tragic for the families and the a perpetrator is very misguided individual who not only snuffed out two lives but also damaged his cause by comitting this senseless violence. But I have to dwell on Netanyahu's “Targeted acts of anti-Semitic violence are typically carried out by spineless, gutless cowards." And how it sounds if you replace "anti-semitic" with "defenceless civilians" it could be easily be laid at his own feet.
This is terribly tragic for the families and the a perpetrator is very misguided individual who not only snuffed out two lives but also damaged his cause by comitting this senseless violence. But I have to dwell on Netanyahu's “Targeted acts of anti-Semitic violence are typically carried out by spineless, gutless cowards." And how it sounds if you replace "anti-semitic" with "defenceless civilians" it could be easily be laid at his own feet.
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