Interfaith coalition denounces antisemitic murders in D.C.
William Harris:
In a powerful display of solidarity, Mayor Eric Adams joined religious and civic leaders from across New York City on Friday to condemn the killing of two Israeli Embassy workers in Washington, D.C., in what authorities have labeled an antisemitic attack.
The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgram, were fatally shot outside a Jewish Heritage Month event hosted by the American Jewish Committee. The attack, which occurred as the couple attended a professional gathering of young Jewish leaders, has sparked deep mourning and renewed calls to confront antisemitism head-on.
“We cannot be silent and watch our brothers and sisters under attack in our country,” said Mayor Adams, addressing a room filled with interfaith leaders. Flanked by senior members of his administration and representatives of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities, Adams emphasized the need for both symbolic and substantive responses. “This was not activism—it was a depraved act of terrorism.”
Deputy Mayor Fabien Levy, the city’s highest-ranking Jewish official, described the murders as a devastating escalation in a broader trend of antisemitic rhetoric and violence. “You’re either on the side of hate or you’re going to stand up against it,” Levy said, citing the urgency of mobilizing diverse voices in defense of Jewish communities.
Religious leaders echoed the sentiment. Reverend Al Sharpton, who contacted the mayor early that morning, urged all communities to rise above political differences and stand together in moments of tragedy. “You cannot be a civil rights leader if you’re only fighting for your own rights,” he said.
From the Muslim community, Mohammad Razvi, CEO of the Council of People’s Organization, denounced the violence, referencing the Quranic teaching that taking one innocent life is akin to killing all of humanity. “This heinous act has really hurt so much,” he said, adding that rhetoric and hate must be confronted at the source—often at home and in conversation.
Security across New York City was promptly tightened following the attack. NYPD counterterrorism units were deployed to protect Jewish institutions, with authorities stating that while there is no direct connection to New York, precautions were being taken seriously.
Ariella Rada from the Israeli Consulate General in New York called the attack “a result of unprecedented incitement” and emphasized that antisemitism today is a global problem, not confined to one country or conflict. She thanked Mayor Adams and city leaders for their steadfast support, saying, “This is something we do not take for granted.”
The gathering also heard from leaders like Reverend A.R. Bernard of the Christian Cultural Center, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik of the New York Board of Rabbis, and Hindy Poupko from the UJA-Federation, all of whom stressed that attacks against Jews are attacks against all of society. “When Jews are slaughtered in a sanctuary, we are not safe,” Rabbi Potasnik said.
Representing the American Jewish Committee, Josh Kramer provided personal tributes to Sarah and Yaron, underscoring their deep commitment to peacebuilding and diplomacy. Sarah, a participant in Jewish-Muslim and Israeli-Palestinian dialogue efforts, was remembered as warm and devoted. Yaron, described as a quiet, steady presence, had just purchased an engagement ring.
As New York grieves alongside Jewish communities worldwide, the message from City Hall was clear: hate, in all its forms, will be met with unity, action, and unflinching resolve.
