Community member Sarah Milgrim, 26, was fatally shot in Washington, D.C., while exiting an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee at the Capitol Jewish Museum. Milgrim, a University of Kansas graduate and native of Prairie Village, was an employee of the Embassy of Israel to the United States.
Milgrim, the daughter of Robert and Nancy Milgrim, was murdered alongside her partner, Yaron Lischinsky, 30, a research assistant at the embassy. The New York Times reported that Lischinsky planned to propose to Milgrim in Jerusalem.
The AJC event, intended for young diplomats and Jewish professionals, was focused on responses to humanitarian crises and had the theme of “Turning pain into purpose.”
“Sarah and Yaron were stolen from us,” AJC CEO Ted Deutch said. “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.”
Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, the Jewish Community Relations Bureau | American Jewish Committee and The J KC issued a joint statement stating that “the attack impacts us all, and directly impacts Kansas City, as one of the victims was one of our own vibrant young adult leaders… Our hearts are broken for Sarah's parents and Yaron's family, and for our entire Kansas City Jewish community. May Sarah and Yaron's memories be for a blessing.”
At KU, Milgrim was closely involved with both Jewish organizations KU Hillel and KU Chabad. Jay Lewis, current president of Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City and former executive director of KU Hillel, knew Milgrim as a student.
“Her passion for the Jewish community, and her passion for Israel, was just incredible,” Lewis said. “She was as involved in KU Hillel as you can be, from a student leadership role to the board of directors… Her passion for Jewish life and for Israel was unmatched. We are so proud that she was from our community.”
KU Hillel issued a statement on May 22 which said, “Sarah’s bright spirit and passion for the Jewish community touched everyone fortunate enough to know her… In the face of such hateful violence, we come together as a community to support one another and to honor Sarah’s memory.”
KU Chabad also shared a statement about Milgrim, saying that “she joined us often for Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations and countless Jewish programs, always bringing her warm smile, gentle spirit and deep passion for her Jewish heritage. Sarah was a shining light.”
Milgrim also completed multiple Jewish studies courses at KU. KU Jewish Studies’ staff and faculty shared a message calling Milgrim a “woman of valor” and saying that “Sarah was a shining presence in our courses during her time at KU. A treasure to all who knew her, her beauty radiated from within. She went above and beyond to help her fellow students, and there were no boundaries to her kindness.”
Milgrim was a member of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, and her parents are members of Congregation Kol Ami; both synagogues shared messages to their congregants expressing condolences and sympathy.
Beyond the Jewish community, Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas, posted on social media that his “heart goes out to the family of Sarah Milgrim” and that “people in our area know well the pain of religious-based violence in our country. We pray for its end.”
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly issued a statement saying, ““As I have said before, antisemitic violence is not theoretical, and it is happening now. Those responsible for this vicious crime must be brought to justice… As Kansans, we value peace over violence, dialogue over destruction, and dignity for all people, regardless of faith or background.”
The Israeli prime minister and the presidents of both Israel and the United States issued statements condemning the murders.
“We are witnessing the terrible price of antisemitism and wild incitement against Israel,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.
“This is a despicable act of hatred, of antisemitism, which has claimed the lives of two young employees of the Israeli embassy,” Israeli President Isaac Herzog shared on X. “Our hearts are with the loved ones of those murdered and our immediate prayers are with the injured.”
President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that the murders were “based obviously on antisemitism,” and he shared condolences to the families of the victims.
The Associated Press reported that witnesses saw the suspect, Elias Rodriguez, with a red keffiyeh yelling “Free, free Palestine” after police arrived.
This is a developing story.