Last night, two young members of our community, Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, were murdered in an antisemitic attack in Washington, DC.

They were peacebuilders—deeply committed to fostering understanding, repairing divides, and creating a more just and compassionate world. Sarah was a beloved member of our extended Federation family, known personally by several on our team. Yaron was planning on proposing to Sarah. Their life together was just beginning to take shape.

And it was stolen by hate.

We grieve. We rage. We feel afraid.

It is in our shared pain and the deep connection we find in one another—in our Jewish community—that we begin to heal.

We are in close contact with local and federal law enforcement. Our partners in law enforcement are answering the call to increase presence around Jewish institutions. Our JShield security team is on high alert and working around the clock to protect our community.

The Jewish community of Greater Washington is strong. We stand in solidarity in our commitment to combat hate.

We are shaken—but we are not alone. And we will move forward—together.

May their memories be for a blessing—and a source of strength. 

With broken hearts and unbreakable resolve,

Robin & Gil

Robin Hettleman Weinberg
President, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

Gil Preuss
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

Photo Credit: The New York Times courtesy of the Milgrim Family