Jewish Community Relations Bureau | American Jewish Committee (JCRB|AJC) announced the creation of the Sarah Milgrim Justice in Action Scholarship, a tribute to the life, legacy and commitment to justice of Sarah Milgrim (z”l).
The announcement was made at JCRB|AJC’s annual Henry W. Bloch Human Relations Event, this year honoring University of Kansas Chancellor Dr. Doug Girod.
“We are deeply honored to create the Sarah Milgrim Justice in Action Scholarship in partnership with the Milgrim family,” said Neta Meltzer, executive director of JCRB|AJC. “Sarah’s compassion, courage and commitment to justice touched everyone who knew her. Through this scholarship, her light will continue to guide and inspire young leaders who are dedicated to building a more just and caring world.”
Milgrim had connections to both JCRB|AJC and KU, subjects of the Human Relations Event. She and her partner, Yaron Lischinsky, were murdered outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. after attending an AJC event. The event, intended for young diplomats and Jewish professionals, was focused on responses to humanitarian crises and had the theme of “Turning pain into purpose.”
She was also a KU alumna, closely involved with Jewish organizations KU Hillel and KU Chabad and taking courses in the KU Jewish Studies Program.
Beginning in 2026, the scholarship will be awarded annually to one or more students who have participated in JCRB|AJC programming. Recipients will receive financial support to pursue opportunities that deepen their engagement in justice-related work, with particular focus on causes meaningful to Milgrim, including human rights, advocacy, community building and combating antisemitism.
A formal application process and award committee, which will include members of the Milgrim family, will be established in 2026.
