FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Targeted Murders in DC are a Stark Warning on Escalating Antisemitism
Vancouver, BC - May 22, 2025
What happened in Washington, D.C. last night is a tragedy for the global Jewish community—and a wake-up call for all of us here in Canada.
The two Israeli Embassy staff members murdered outside the Capital Jewish Museum were a young couple, devoted to building bridges and representing Israel with compassion and purpose. They were attending an American Jewish Committee (AJC) event for young diplomats that focused on interfaith dialogue and countering zero-sum thinking.
Sarah Milgram had joined the embassy shortly after October 7 to amplify Israeli women’s voices, and Yaron Lischinsky, born in Germany, studied diplomacy and promoted peace. Their lives—defined by courage and conviction—were stolen in a cowardly act of hate. We condemn this depraved act of antisemitic violence in the strongest possible terms.
Though this occurred on American soil, its impact is being felt deeply here in Vancouver and across Canada. We are witnessing the open glorification of terrorism on our streets, and the consequences are real. This is what happens when extremists are emboldened to shout “globalize the intifada”—this is the consequence of unchecked hate.
Jewish institutions and people across this country face real, daily threats. As a Jewish Federation, we regularly review and strengthen our security protocols to ensure our community’s safety remains paramount. But the responsibility cannot rest solely on the Jewish community. Governments at every level must act now: to strengthen laws that confront hate and call out acts of antisemitism as well as enhancing measures to secure Jewish institutions here in Canada.
This is what it means to be Jewish today: to carry fear, resilience, and pride all at once. To show up every day knowing we are targeted simply for who we are—and choosing to lead, to build, and to contribute anyway. We will not hide, and we demand more than sympathy—we demand action.
May Sarah and Yaron’s memories be a blessing. May their courage inspire ours.
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About the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver
Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver is the central planning, convening, facilitating, and fundraising organization for the local Jewish community. Through the Federation Annual Campaign, special project funding, and the Jewish Community Foundation, the Jewish Federation generates the funds needed to meet community needs today, tomorrow and for years to come. Jewish Federation works collaboratively with more than three dozen partner organizations, unifying their work. Together, we touch the lives of thousands of community members locally, in our partnership region in Israel, and around the world.
Media Contact:
Sara Bandel
Associate Director, Marketing and Communications
Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver
sbandel@jewishvancouver.com