The fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., late Wednesday night drew an outpouring of grief as well as a global condemnation of antisemitic violence.

The victims, Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, were attending a reception hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) on Wednesday night at the Capital Jewish Museum when they were shot and killed. The two were both staffers at the Israeli Embassy in D.C. and were expected to get engaged to be married within the week.

The shooter was apprehended at the scene, and police said he shouted “free, free Palestine” while being detained.

American, Israeli and other foreign officials and members of the community connected to the AJC — diplomats, advocates and professionals working in foreign policy and conflict resolution — expressed outrage and devastation.

The attack also underscored the persistent threat facing Jewish and Israeli communities. Antisemitic incidents in the U.S. are at an all-time high, spiking after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack against Israel and Israel’s resulting war in the Gaza Strip.

“Hours later, I am still shocked by this tragedy … and not shocked at all,” Nathan Diament, executive director for public policy for the Orthodox Union, posted on the social platform X. The Orthodox Union is at the forefront of advocating for increased federal funds to secure houses of worship, in particular synagogues.

“This is where incessant [and] unchecked antisemitism [and] the demonization of Israel leads; to the murder of innocents, the cutting off of a bright future.”

© The Hill