The vibrant life of Sarah Milgrim, a young woman dedicated to fostering peace, was tragically ended in a shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on May 21, 2025. At just 30 years old, Sarah, alongside her partner Yaron Lischinsky, was gunned down in what authorities describe as a targeted act of violence. The couple, both staff members at the Israeli Embassy, had just left an event focused on humanitarian aid and dialogue when the unthinkable happened. This devastating loss has left her colleagues, friends, and family reeling, mourning a woman whose passion for unity defined her work and spirit.
Sarah Milgrim’s Commitment to Peace
Growing up in the Kansas City suburbs, Sarah Milgrim’s journey toward peacebuilding began early. She witnessed the impact of hate firsthand as a teenager when a white supremacist attacked Jewish institutions in her hometown. This experience shaped her resolve to bridge divides. After earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas in 2021, she pursued two master’s degrees—one in international studies from American University and another in natural resources and sustainable development from the United Nations University for Peace. Her academic path reflected her deep curiosity and commitment to understanding complex global issues.
Her work with Tech2Peace, an Israeli nonprofit, stood out as a cornerstone of her legacy. In 2023, Sarah spent five weeks in Israel at Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam, a unique Jewish-Arab village, researching how friendships could foster peace between Israelis and Palestinians. She interviewed 12 participants, diving into their stories to uncover the human connections that could heal divides. Her LinkedIn posts radiated optimism, describing her work as a mission to “foster understanding between different peoples.” Colleagues at Tech2Peace remembered her as a “deeply curious person” with an “unwavering belief in dialogue, peace, and equality.”
A Life Stolen Outside the Jewish Museum DC Shooting
The night of the Jewish Museum DC shooting was meant to be a celebration of diplomacy and connection. Sarah and Yaron, a couple planning to get engaged the following week in Jerusalem, attended the American Jewish Committee’s Young Diplomats Reception. The event, held at the Capital Jewish Museum, aimed to unite young professionals aged 22 to 45 in discussions about humanitarian aid for both Israelis and Palestinians. Around 9:15 p.m., as they stepped outside, a gunman approached and opened fire. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old from Chicago, was arrested after shouting “Free, free Palestine” while in custody. Authorities later recovered the weapon he discarded, based on his own admission.
The attack has been widely condemned as an act of antisemitic violence. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “horrific,” while U.S. President Donald Trump expressed outrage on social media. The Israeli Embassy, where Sarah worked in the public diplomacy department, shared a heartfelt tribute: “Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues. They were in the prime of their lives.” The couple’s love story, poised to culminate in an engagement, added a layer of heartbreak to an already senseless tragedy.
Sarah Milgrim’s Lasting Impact
Sarah’s work wasn’t just a job—it was a calling. At the Israeli Embassy, she organized visits and missions to promote dialogue. Her colleagues described her as a warm, intelligent presence who brought empathy to every interaction. The event she attended that fateful night embodied her life’s mission: bringing together Muslims, Jews, and Christians to help innocent people. JoJo Kalin, an organizer of the reception, spoke of the cruel irony, noting the event focused on humanitarian aid, yet ended in violence. Sarah’s research with Tech2Peace highlighted her belief that grassroots connections could pave the way for peace, a vision she lived out daily.
Her loss reverberates far beyond Washington. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where she conducted research, expressed “deep sorrow.” Friends and family shared stories of her kindness and dedication. A local rabbi described her and Yaron as “nice, popular people” whose lives were cut short just as they planned to build a future together. Sarah’s story reminds us of the cost of hate and the urgent need for the dialogue she championed.
A Legacy to Honor
Sarah Milgrim’s life was a testament to the power of connection in a divided world. Her work with Tech2Peace and the Israeli Embassy showed that peace isn’t just an ideal—it’s a practice built on listening, understanding, and courage. The Jewish Museum DC shooting stole a bright light, but her vision endures. As we grieve, we can honor her by supporting initiatives that foster dialogue and understanding, just as she did.
To keep Sarah Milgrim’s legacy alive, consider supporting organizations like Tech2Peace that promote dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. Visit their website to learn how you can contribute to peacebuilding efforts in her memory.