DC Jewish Museum shooting victim Yaron Lischinskys body to be returned to Israel Friday

Published: Friday, May 23, 2025 at 6:37 pm

Body of Israeli Embassy Employee Killed in DC to Return to Israel Friday

The body of Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli embassy employee tragically killed in a shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., is scheduled to be repatriated to Israel on Friday. Officials confirmed that Lischinsky's coffin will be received by loved ones and representatives from the Israeli Foreign Ministry at an undisclosed airport before being taken to a burial site.

Lischinsky, who served as a research assistant in the embassy's Political Department since September 2022, was allegedly shot and killed alongside his colleague and girlfriend, Sarah Milgrim, by 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez. Rodriguez reportedly shouted "Free, free Palestine" after admitting to the shooting and told officers he did it "for Palestine, I did it for Gaza."

The museum was hosting an event organized by the American Jewish Committee at the time of the attack. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed discussions about antisemitism and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

David Goldenberg, Midwest regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, noted that while calls for Israel to cease military action are not inherently antisemitic, they can sometimes devolve into such acts. He emphasized the importance of leaders actively addressing and shutting down antisemitic chants and symbols at protests.

Lischinsky's LinkedIn profile indicates he served in the Israel Defense Forces for three years prior to his role at the embassy. Milgrim, who worked in the embassy's Department of Public Diplomacy since November 2023, had previously spoken out against antisemitic messages in high school.

BNN's Perspective: This horrific act of violence underscores the urgent need for dialogue and understanding. While the motivations of the alleged shooter are still under investigation, it's crucial to condemn all forms of hate and violence, regardless of the political context. It's also important to distinguish between legitimate criticism of Israeli policies and antisemitism, ensuring that both are addressed with clarity and fairness.

Keywords: DC Jewish Museum shooting, Yaron Lischinsky, Israeli embassy, antisemitic attack, Elias Rodriguez, Sarah Milgrim, Free Palestine, Gaza, Israel, Washington DC, Capital Jewish Museum, Anti-Defamation League, antisemitism, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, repatriation, burial, political violence, embassy staff, Jewish community, Palestine, Israel Defense Forces

Full Story