Tonight, a bipartisan vigil was held in Washington, D.C., led by Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries to honor the lives of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky. The two Israeli embassy staffers were victims of a violent antisemitic attack after attending an event at the Capital Jewish Museum last month. The vigil was attended by Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter, CEO of the American Jewish Committee Ted Deutch, Israeli embassy staff, and Members of Congress.
Speaker Johnson delivered remarks during the vigil, emphasizing the tragic loss of Milgrim and Lischinsky. “We gather tonight to honor the memory of two precious souls, Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky,” he stated. He expressed condolences to their families and friends and highlighted their dedication to peace through their work at the Israeli Embassy.
Johnson condemned the attack as “targeted antisemitic terrorism” and noted that such violence is not isolated. He referenced another incident where Jewish Americans were attacked with Molotov cocktails in Boulder, Colorado. Johnson described these acts as being driven by hatred for Jewish people.
He also criticized chants like “Free Palestine,” which he linked to a violent movement aligned with Hamas. According to Johnson, this ideology has created a dangerous environment for peace-loving Jewish Americans.
Johnson called for unity against antisemitic violence, urging both Republicans and Democrats to stand together in condemning such acts. He stressed the importance of recommitting to peace, honoring Milgrim and Lischinsky’s legacy.
In closing his remarks, Johnson quoted scripture: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” He honored Milgrim and Lischinsky as peacemakers tragically lost too soon.
