OVERNIGHT ISRAEL: "Free Palestine!”- The Deadly DC Shooting Outside a Jewish Museum | WATCH

On May 21, 2025, a chilling act of antisemitic terror struck at the heart of Washington, DC. Yaron Lischinsky, 28, and Sarah Milgrim, two devoted staffers at the Israeli Embassy, were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum after participating in an American Jewish Committee event promoting humanitarian aid for Gaza.

The attacker, Elias Rodriguez, 30, from Chicago, confessed to the murders while waving a red kaffiyeh and shouting "Free Palestine." His statements revealed a deep alignment with violent anti-Israel extremism. He was swiftly arrested, but the damage was done. The tragedy sent shockwaves through the Jewish community in the United States and around the world.

Victims Who Stood for Peace

Yaron, a German-born Israeli who made aliyah as a teenager, served in the embassy’s political department and championed Jewish-Arab coexistence. Sarah, a Jewish American involved in public diplomacy, previously worked at Tech2Peace, an initiative for Jewish and Arab dialogue in Tel Aviv. The couple were planning to get engaged in Jerusalem the following week. Their shared commitment to peace and unity made their murder especially devastating.

The Ideology Behind the Attack

Rodriguez’s ties to the far-left Party for Socialism and Liberation, combined with his public endorsement of an “Intifada revolution,” expose how radical rhetoric can translate into violence. This was not a senseless crime but a targeted antisemitic act. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar both labeled it an act of terrorism driven by dangerous lies and incitement. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this sentiment, calling for full justice.

Denial and Deflection from the Far Left

In the aftermath, pro-Palestinian activists online attempted to deflect blame, pushing unfounded conspiracy theories and downplaying the motive. Even Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, typically a critic of Israeli policy, acknowledged the attack as antisemitic. Yet many activists refused to reckon with the extremist ideologies that inspire such violence. Their silence and denial speak volumes.

A Broader Pattern of Threats

Just a day later, on May 22, Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen launched a missile toward Jerusalem. Though it was intercepted by Israel’s Arrow 3 defense system, debris landed dangerously close to Palestinian homes in Halhul, illustrating the recklessness of such attacks. This second attempted terror incident in two days underscored the growing threat to Israel and Jews globally.

Jenin Standoff Highlights Security Tensions

Also on May 22, Israeli forces fired warning shots near a convoy of international diplomats in Jenin after they entered a restricted military zone without authorization. While no one was harmed, the incident sparked diplomatic outrage. Yet critics ignored the context: Jenin is a hub for terror activity. The IDF’s response was measured and meant to protect both soldiers and foreign envoys.

France’s Dangerous Double Standard

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron offered only vague condolences for the DC victims while advocating for unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state. Israeli leaders viewed this as rewarding terror rather than confronting it. Macron’s stance, in light of the week’s violence, struck many as dangerously naive.

Faith and Resilience in the Face of Trial

Adding to the week's tension, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake in Crete was felt across Israel. While it caused no major damage, it served as a reminder of both Israel’s physical vulnerability and spiritual strength. From ancient times, Jewish tradition has held that even natural disasters are part of a larger divine story.

Conclusion: Israel Stands Strong

The events of this week make clear that antisemitism and anti-Zionism are not mere ideologies. They are threats with deadly consequences. Yet in the face of terror, political hypocrisy, and natural upheaval, Israel endures. The legacy of Yaron and Sarah, who lived with courage and compassion, calls on all who cherish Jewish life to speak out, stand firm, and trust in the resilience of the Jewish people.

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