NEW YORK – After a gunman shot and killed two staff members at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, outside the Capital Jewish Museum, following an American Jewish Committee (AJC) event for young diplomats, Amb. Ronald Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, released the following statement:
“Last night’s attack outside the Capital Jewish Museum, which claimed the lives of Yaron Lischinsky z’’l and Sarah Milgrim z’’l, is a devastating reminder that the danger facing Jewish communities is not history—it is real and ever-present.
“These were two individuals who dedicated their lives to building bridges between people and communities, rather than walls.
“Though this brazen act of violence occurred on American soil, its message was meant cause Jews everywhere to tremble with fear.
“But let there be no mistake—this act of terror will not drive us into the shadows. We will not hide our faces or our symbols. We will live openly and proudly, as a courageous people.
“We call on President Trump and leaders around the world to take urgent action to root out those who threaten our shared values and way of life. Security must be reinforced at Jewish institutions everywhere—before more lives are lost.”