Tragedy struck outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington on Wednesday evening when a couple, Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, both employees of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, were shot and killed. The couple had plans to get engaged during an upcoming trip to Israel, a detail shared by Sarah Milgrim’s father in a recent interview with The New York Times.
According to reports, the couple was leaving an event at the museum, located about a mile away from the White House, when they were approached by a man who later killed them. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez from Chicago, reportedly shouted “Free, free Palestine” after being taken into custody.
The devastating news of their daughter’s death was delivered to Milgrim’s parents by Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the U.S. During the heartbreaking conversation, it was revealed that Lischinsky had been planning to propose to Sarah during their trip to Jerusalem. The engagement ring had already been purchased, adding another layer of heartache to the tragic event.
Robert Milgrim, Sarah’s father, expressed his shock and disbelief at the timing of the incident, as they had been concerned about their daughter’s safety in Israel. The couple’s commitment to bridging the gap between Israelis and Palestinians was evident in their work, as they were actively involved in advocacy groups that aimed to restore relations between the two communities.
As news of the shooting spread, the Milgrim family’s worst fears were confirmed when they realized that Sarah had been at the site of the shooting. The couple’s dedication to their work and their shared mission to promote peace and understanding in the region was a testament to their character and values.
The loss of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky has left a void in the hearts of their loved ones, colleagues, and the community at large. Their passion for their work, their commitment to building bridges between different groups, and their plans for a future together serve as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of striving for peace and unity in a world too often marked by division and violence.
