On the evening of May 21, 2025, what should’ve been a beautiful and peaceful night for Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim turned into a shocking nightmare. Lischinsky, 30, and Milgrim, 26, were enjoying a trip to Washington D.C. when they were shot and killed in an act of hatred in front of the steps of the Capitol Jewish Museum.
The young pair had just left a young diplomats reception, surrounded by colleagues and friends. Lischinsky, a German-Israeli, worked in the political department of the Israeli Embassy. Milgrim, an American from Kansas, had only recently received a position at the Israeli Embassy. Lischinsky and Milgrim weren’t just colleagues, however, but rather a couple looking to build a future together. Lischinsky was planning to propose to Milgrim on their upcoming trip to Jerusalem, but those plans were stripped from them in seconds. As the couple were walking towards the Capitol Jewish Museum, the shooter, Elias Rodriguez, approached them. He shot them both in what authorities call an anti-Semitic act of terror. Witnesses report him chanting “Free Palestine” as he was being escorted out of the building by authorities. Rodriguez was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, though prosecutors are looking to sentence him to death.
This tragedy wasn’t simply driven by violence but also by hatred. Lischinsky and Milgrim were recognized for their kindness and dedication; Lischinsky served in the Israeli Defense Forces and was known for his quiet strength and thoughtful opinions, while Migrim was a passionate Jew committed to studying her culture and promoting education. Those who knew her describe her as someone who was always smiling and learning. Their deaths have devastated not just their families and friends, but also the broader Jewish community. Leaders around the world have condemned the attack and stood up against the atrocity. Authorities nationwide have ramped up security at religious and cultural sites.
Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, two innocent individuals, had their futures stolen from them in an act of pure violence and anti-Semitism. Their story is a heartbreaking reminder to all of how hatred can rip away even the most beautiful lives. It is also a powerful call to speak out against antisemitism, to keep their memories alive, and to live with the same warmth and love the couple spread so freely. May we always honor their memory and remember that silence in the face of hate is never an option.
