National Council of Jewish Women Statement on Antisemitic Murders at AJC Event at Capital Jewish Museum in DC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, May 22, 2025
PRESS CONTACT: press@ncjw.org
WASHINGTON, DC — In response to the antisemitic shooting where two young people were murdered outside an event in Washington, DC, Sheila Katz, CEO of National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), released the following statement:
“At NCJW, our hearts break for the victims of this antisemitic attack — Sarah Milgrim (z”l) and Yaron Lischinsky (z”l) — as well as for their families, and for our friends at the American Jewish Committee, at the Israeli Embassy, and at the Capital Jewish Museum. May Sarah and Yaron’s memories be for a blessing.
“Sadly, we are not surprised by this tragedy. For years, American Jews have told our fellow Americans, our coworkers, and those who claim to be our allies in justice about the rising tide of hate directed against Jews. We have sounded the alarm about the consequences that calls to ‘Globalize the Intifada’ would have on Jews around the world. And now, after last night, we saw what that failure to listen to us looks like. Antisemitism doesn’t begin with bullets, but it ends there when ignored. We need allies to denounce it clearly and consistently, not just in death, but in everyday life.
“These murders were targeted at individuals outside a Jewish event, hosted by a Jewish organization, at a Jewish museum. It must be labeled as antisemitism and domestic terror and be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
“Sarah and Yaron should be with us today, and they’re not. Sarah Milgrim worked closely with NCJW in her role at the Israeli Embassy. She worked on interfaith dialogue and uplifting the sexual violence perpetrated against women by Hamas. Many of us were touched by her commitment to peace, and will continue to pursue it in her memory.
“We need our allies from every part of the spectrum to come together and denounce hatred against Jews, rejecting antisemitic tropes and slogans that put Jews in harm’s way. That’s what true solidarity demands. That’s what we deserve. We refuse to be silent in the face of hate, and we need friends to do the same alongside us, always.”
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National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a 132-year-old Jewish feminist civil rights organization working for equity and justice for women, children, and families in the United States and Israel. Through the efforts of our 250,000 grassroots advocates and 48 local sections, NCJW combines education, direct service, and advocacy to affect lasting social change at the local, state, and national levels. We approach our work through the intersections of gender, economic, and racial justice to center those most impacted in a uniquely Jewish way. Learn more at NCJW.org, and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.