Local Organization Statements On Washington, D.C. Shooting At Capital Jewish Museum

Several local Jewish organizations have released statements since the shooting deaths of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky on Wednesday, May 21, at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The list will be updated if more statements are released.

Click on an organization to navigate to its statement.

• Holocaust & Humanity Center
• State Rep. Dani Isaacsohn
• Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
• Bearcats for Israel at UC/Ohio For Israel
• Jewish Fertility Foundation

Holocaust & Humanity Center

Last night, two young Jewish professionals were tragically killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., during a gathering hosted by the American Jewish Committee. The event was part of an effort to bring together emerging Jewish leaders committed to service, identity, and global dialogue.

This devastating act of violence took place at a museum — a place of memory, education, and moral reflection. Museums like ours exist to shine a light on the past so we may shape a more just and humane future. When hatred pierces even these spaces of learning and remembrance, it is not only an attack on individuals — it is a threat to the very values we seek to preserve.

During Jewish American Heritage Month — a time meant to celebrate the resilience, contributions, and vibrancy of Jewish life in the United States — we are once again reminded of the urgent and ongoing threat of antisemitism. This hate is not abstract. It is deadly, and it must be named and opposed with clarity and courage.

The victims, who also served as Israeli diplomats, had dedicated themselves to building understanding and connection — both within the Jewish community and across national boundaries. Their loss is deeply felt by all who believe in the power of dialogue, dignity, and peace.

The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center stands in solidarity with the American Jewish Committee, with our museum colleagues, and with the entire Jewish community in the U.S., Israel, and around the world. We’ve signed onto this joint statement against antisemitism and hate, alongside other organizations committed to confronting rising hate in all forms. Our history teaches us what happens when antisemitism goes unchecked — and it’s why this work matters now more than ever.

We also want to take a moment to address your safety. The Holocaust & Humanity Center works closely with law enforcement and professional security partners to ensure our museum remains a secure and welcoming place for all visitors. These protocols are regularly reviewed and strengthened with the utmost care and seriousness.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, to their colleagues and peers, and to all those grieving this senseless loss. This violence underscores why our work must continue — with urgency, clarity, and a steadfast commitment to truth and justice today. Thank you for supporting our mission at a time when it matters profoundly.

State Rep. Dani Isaacsohn

In the wake of the tragic attack at a Jewish event and the senseless murders of two young people in DC, it meant more than ever to gather these past two days with colleagues in the Jewish Caucus for a town hall at the Akron JCC and events and flag lowering at the Cleveland Jewish Federation. We are strongest when we are united amongst our community and with friends and allies. We have to continue to seek out those bonds and work towards a more peaceful future – for everyone.

Jewish Federation of Cincinnati

We are horrified and heartbroken by the shooting Wednesday night outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC.
Two young lives were stolen in a senseless act of antisemitic violence: Sarah Milgrim z”l and Yaron Lischinsky z”l, Israeli Embassy staff members dedicated to building peace and understanding in the region.

They were a couple in love, planning to get engaged next week in Jerusalem. Our hearts are with their families, the AJC – American Jewish Committee, and our colleagues at the  Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

The safety and security of our community is our top priority. This heartbreaking tragedy is a painful reminder of why we train, prepare, and stay vigilant through SAFE Cincinnati.

Please remember to maintain relaxed awareness—aware of your surroundings, without fear. May their memories be a blessing.

Bearcats for Israel at UC/Ohio For Israel

Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky were attending an event by the American Jewish Committee at the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., when a man shot them dead, proudly claimed their murders, and shouted “Free, Free Palestine.”

Milgrim, an American Jew, was well known in the Israeli embassy for her work in creating peace between Israel and Palestine. Lischinsky is an Israeli Christian who planned to propose to Milgrim next week. These people had lives, they had loved ones, and they had hope for a peaceful future in the Middle East.

This act of terrorism will not create peace and it will not “free Palestine.” May their memory be a blessing.

Am Yisrael Chai.