Israel’s Foreign Ministry described the shooting deaths of two Israeli embassy officials outside the Jewish Museum in Washington as a “surprising” increase in anti-Semitism, particularly since the outbreak of the war in Gaza on October 7, 2023.
The victims, identified as Jaron Lisinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, were shot after leaving a Wednesday evening event at the museum. A 30-year-old man from Chicago was promptly apprehended after reportedly shouting “free and free Palestine” during his arrest.
“The murders of Yaron and Sarah at the AJC event in Washington, DC reflect the surprising rise in anti-Semitism instigation since October 7th,” the ministry stated in a social media post.
The ministry also emphasized that Hamas initiated the war, leading to ongoing hardship for both Israelis and Palestinians, and called for accountability from the group as the “responsible” party.
In another post, the ministry labeled the attack as “shocking and terrifying,” while asserting that “fear” should not be the end result.
“May their memories be blessed,” an official commented on Lisinski and Milgrim. “We will be here for grieving families during this painful time and will always lend our support.”
The blame for the incident was directed towards the United States and the broader global context.
Former President Trump condemned the attack, stating that the suspect’s motivations were clearly rooted in anti-Semitism.
“Hate and radicalism have no place in America,” he mentioned in a post concerning True Society, expressing condolences to the victims’ families.
The suspect allegedly approached the museum before firing at Lisinski and Milgrim, followed by his arrest. Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith assured reporters post-arrest that there was no ongoing threat.
Israeli US Ambassador Yechiel Leiter remarked at a press conference that the two victims were a couple who were engaged to be married.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu communicated with Attorney General Pam Bondy regarding the shooting, stating, “We are witnessing the horrific costs of anti-Semitism and the rampant agitation against Israel,” as reflected in his comments on social media.
The Anti-Defamation League reported last month that incidents of anti-Semitism had reached unprecedented levels.
According to Associate FBI Director Dan Bongino, Wednesday’s shooting is being treated as an “act of horror.”
