Solidarity and Support in the Wake of Tragedy
On May 21, two beloved members of our community—Sarah Milgrim z”l and Yaron Lichinsky z”l—were murdered in an antisemitic shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum.
They were peacebuilders. Partners. Dreamers. Their loss is profound and deeply personal.
In this moment of heartbreak, we come together—to grieve, to support one another, and to honor the values Sarah and Yaron lived by.
This page is a space for healing, reflection, and resilience. Here, you’ll find messages of solidarity from across our community, tools to help you talk about antisemitism, and resources for mental health and safety. Whether you are grieving, angry, afraid, or searching for meaning—you are not alone.
We grieve together. We stand together. And together, we move forward—with strength, compassion, and resolve.
Messages of Solidarity and Reflection
In the wake of tragedy, messages of support can offer comfort and connection.
Elected officials, faith leaders, and community members have reached out to share their heartbreak, outrage, and solidarity. These messages remind us that we are not alone—and that the values Sarah Milgrim z”l and Yaron Lischinsky z”l lived by continue to resonate far beyond our Jewish community.
Below is a selection of messages we’ve received. If you’d like to share your own reflection or a message you’ve seen, please email us at info@shalomdc.org.
Please note: While we may not be able to post every submission, we deeply appreciate all who take the time to share. Any personally identifying information will be kept confidential unless explicit permission is given.
Community Reflection
The killing of Sarah and Yaron was so much more than just a tragedy. This was the murder of two people who, in their young lives, had already dedicated themselves to bringing people, no matter their race, ethnicity, or religion, together in a search for a better and more peaceful world! We need so many more people like Sarah and Yaron. May they both rest in peace.
Message of Sympathy and Solidarity
The AOA shares our collective grief with Americans and all peoples in response to the tragic deaths of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim earlier this week. We were shocked to learn that an American Osteopathic Information Association (AOIA) employee has been arrested as a suspect in this horrific crime.
The AOA and the affiliate organization AOIA are actively cooperating with the investigation. As physician organizations dedicated to protecting the health and sanctity of human life, we believe in the rights of all persons to live safely without fear of violence.
We extend our deepest sympathy to all, particularly the victims’ loved ones and members of the Jewish community. We wish peace, comfort, and strength during this unimaginably difficult time.
Message of Sympathy and Solidarity
Shared by a community partner
I am writing to express my deepest condolences to you and the entire Jewish community following the tragic shooting at the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. We are heartbroken by the senseless loss of life and the pain this act of violence has caused.
In moments like these, we are reminded of our shared humanity and the urgent need to stand together against hatred in all its forms. Please know that our thoughts, prayers, and hearts are with you. We stand in solidarity with your community, as we remain committed to fostering understanding, compassion, and peace.
May we find strength in one another as we work toward building a more united and loving world where all people feel safe, valued, and embraced.
With sympathy and solidarity,
Community Reflection
May their memories be for a blessing. So young, so tragic.
Empathetically,
Message of Solidarity from Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich
Shared by Kate Chance, Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships
Dear Jewish Community Leaders,
I know this has been a day of heartbreak and fear for our Jewish community—especially with this tragedy occurring so close to home, and with Montgomery County residents among those present.
Since October 7th, we’ve witnessed record-high levels of antisemitism. The murder of attendees at a Jewish event, outside a Jewish museum, has only intensified the fear many Jewish residents feel for their safety.
I join you in mourning the loss of Sarah Milgrim z”l and Yaron Lischinsky z”l, whose lives were wrongly taken in an act of hate-fueled violence. My heart breaks for the event’s attendees and organizers—including the American Jewish Committee—who simply wanted to bring people together in community.
I pray for a more peaceful tomorrow—and that the victims’ memories be a blessing.
Community Reflection
Thank you—a wonderful tribute to two wonderful people who were taken far too soon. May they rest in peace together.
Mental Health & Emotional Well-Being
In times of crisis, emotional and psychological care is essential. Below are options for counseling, financial assistance, peer support, and more—available to you and those you love.
Don’t know where to start? Call 703-JCARING to reach J-Caring, our community helpline. You’ll be connected to personalized support—whether you need counseling, financial assistance, or other services.
Looking for therapy or grief counseling? Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA) offers professional mental health care for individuals, families, and children, with clinicians sensitive to Jewish community needs.
Understanding and Confronting Antisemitism
Whether you’re trying to explain antisemitism to your children, facing it on campus, or looking to better understand how to respond—these trusted partners offer meaningful guidance, education, and tools for action.
For parents and caregivers navigating difficult conversations at home, PJ Library offers age-appropriate guides on how to talk to children about antisemitism and scary situations. These resources are simple, sensitive, and rooted in Jewish values:
How to Talk to Children About Antisemitism
How to Talk to Kids About Scary Situations
For educators and families seeking deeper learning, Facing History & Ourselves offers thoughtful materials on recognizing and responding to antisemitism in all its forms, including online hate. Explore resources
For students encountering antisemitism on campus, Hillel International provides tools, peer support, and workshops to help Jewish students feel safe and empowered. Learn more
Ready to take action? The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) offers a wide range of tools—from policy advocacy to education and response support. Get started
Need to report an antisemitic incident? You can submit a report directly through Federation’s JShield security team. Your report will be handled with care and shared with law enforcement and trusted partners—including ADL, Secure Community Network, Community Security Service, and JCRC—to help ensure a swift, coordinated response. Report an incident
Security & Preparedness
Safety is our top priority. Here’s how we’re working to protect our institutions—and how you can stay informed and prepared.
Need help with security planning or training? Federation’s JShield division offers risk assessments, staff and volunteer trainings, and grant application support for Jewish institutions across Greater Washington. Meet JShield
Looking for best practices and recommendations? Download guidelines and recommendations from trusted national partners Jewish Federations of North America, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Secure Community Network (SCN), Community Security Service (CSS), and Community Security Initiative (CSI) of New York. Learn more
Stay vigilant. Noticing when something feels “off” is one of the most powerful tools we have. Trust your instincts. If you see something suspicious—a person, package, or behavior—report it to Federation’s JShield team. In case of an immediate threat or ongoing act of violence, always call 911 first. Your awareness helps keep our community safe. Report an incident
Our Voice in the Media
In times like these, it’s vital to amplify voices offering comfort, clarity, and action.
Our CEO, Gil Preuss, has spoken widely about the pain and purpose of this moment. Below are key stories highlighting our community’s response and resolve.
Full Interview: CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater Washington speaks after couple killed DC News Now / NewsNation
Reflecting on the victims’ lives, the impact on our community, and the urgent need for healing and security.
Local Jewish leaders express resilience, renewed effort to fight antisemitism after DC attack Yahoo! News
Community voices calling for strength, solidarity, and meaningful action.
‘We’re hurting really bad today’: Jewish leaders in D.C. ask for support, healing in wake of shooting WAMU
Leaders urging unity and support for those most deeply affected.
DC’s Jewish community reels from Israeli Embassy staffers’ killings” POLITICO
Insight into the heightened fears and renewed communal purpose in response to the tragedy.
A Nightmare That We’ve All Been Afraid Of The New York Times
The emotional toll of the shooting and the path forward for Jewish life in DC.