Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK Shock in the Jewish world following the attack in which Yaron Lishinski and Sarah Milgram were murdered early morning at the Jewish Museum in Washington.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), led by CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, issued a statement following the attack. "Our hearts break for the victims of this heinous attack against Jews in Washington. It was not just a crime against the Jewish community of Washington, but an assault on all Jewish Americans – and on America itself."
Greenblatt continues: "We know that words have consequences. When antisemitic rhetoric is normalized, tolerated, or even intensified in public discourse, a climate is created where violence against Jews becomes more acceptable. Since October 7, 2023, we have witnessed continuous and unprecedented antisemitism, and such tragedy was inevitable. We've already seen Jewish students attacked on campuses, Jews attacked on their way to synagogue, Jewish businesses and places of worship targeted."
"And now," he continues, "the tragic murder of two innocent young people, in the prime of their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and the entire Jewish community during this difficult time.
It is time for all citizens of the United States to unite and declare: Antisemitism has no place in our country. All our leaders must work together to uproot hatred and evil."
Greenblatt concludes: "Antisemitism in the U.S. is already at historic high levels. According to the latest annual monitoring report by the Anti-Defamation League, in 2024 there were 9,354 antisemitic incidents in the U.S. – a 5% increase compared to the previous year, and a 344% increase over the past five years. This is the highest number of antisemitic incidents recorded since the league began tracking these incidents 46 years ago."
According to data from the ADL’s Center on Extremism, since July 2024, there have been nine attacks or attempted attacks against Jews, Zionists, or Jewish institutions in the United States.
Meanwhile, following the attack, Israeli flags at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Israeli embassies worldwide were lowered to half-mast.
Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs