Statement on the Recent Antisemitic Attack in Washington, D.C.

We are devastated and heartbroken by the horrific and targeted murder of two Israeli Embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. We condemn this brutal, senseless act in the strongest possible terms, and join together with the Jewish community and its friends and allies in mourning alongside the families of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim.

This act of antisemitic violence, which took place in a public space dedicated to celebrating Jewish life and memory, is a chilling reminder of the threats faced by Jewish communities and organizations worldwide. As institutions committed to teaching about the Holocaust, we know all too well the insidious danger of normalizing hatred and violence. 

This is a moment to stand together and say: Enough. It is a time to remind the world of some of the most important lessons of the Holocaust that we teach – to thousands of students, teachers, and visitors every day – foremost among them, that unchecked hate and antisemitic rhetoric lead to violence.

Antisemitism is not just a Jewish problem. When Jews are targeted, it harms all of society. It is time for all of us, not the Jewish people alone, to work to reduce and prevent antisemitic acts.

May the memories of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim be for a blessing –and may their loss strengthen our collective resolve to fight hatred, apathy, and antisemitism in all its forms.

Jointly signed by the Executive Leadership of:

The Zekelman Holocaust Center (Farmington Hills, Michigan)

Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum (Dallas, Texas)

Holocaust Museum Houston (Houston, Texas)

Holocaust Museum LA (Los Angeles, California)

Illinois Holocaust Museum (Skokie, Illinois)

Montreal Holocaust Museum (Montreal, Quebec)

Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust (New York, New York)

Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center (Cincinnati, Ohio)

The Florida Holocaust Museum (St. Petersburg, Florida)