NYC Faith Leaders Denounce Antisemitic Murders and Pledge Solidarity

“Let me be clear, violence was not the answer, is not the answer, and violence will never be the answer” ~ Vijah Ramjattan

Tayeb Ali:

In the wake of the recent antisemitic murders of two young staff members from the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., leaders across New York City gathered for a solemn and powerful demonstration of unity. The event, organized by the New York City Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes and the Partners Against The Hate initiative, brought together faith leaders, elected officials, and community advocates to denounce hatred and reaffirm their shared commitment to cross-community protection and peace.

The tragic incident that sparked this gathering occurred when Elias Rodriguez allegedly targeted and murdered 30-year-old Yaron Lischinsky and 26-year-old Sarah Milgram as they exited a Jewish heritage event. Authorities reported that Rodriguez continued firing even after the two victims fell, with 21 shell casings found at the scene. He now faces charges including murder of foreign officials, first-degree murder, and the use of a firearm during a violent crime.

At the press conference,Vijah Ramjattan, Executive Director of the NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes, echoed this resolve in his remarks: “Let me be clear, violence was not the answer, is not the answer, and violence will never be the answer,” he stated. “We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protecting the safety, dignity, and well-being of our Jewish brothers and sisters.”

Imam Shahidullah spoke passionately about shared values between religious traditions.“We gather today with heavy hearts, mourning the tragic loss of two Jewish lives. We condemn this act of violence in the strongest terms. Such hatred has no place in our communities, our faiths, or our humanity,” he said. Highlighting the Islamic principle of reverence for the Ahl al-Kitab—People of the Book—Imam Shahidullah emphasized that Muslims, Jews, and Christians share sacred roots and should be bound by “divine teachings of peace, justice, and mercy.”

He concluded with a message of defiance against hate: “We say ‘Never Again’—not only for the past tragedies of history, but for today and every day forward. Never again must we allow hate to blind us. Never again must we be silent in the face of injustice. Never again should violence speak louder than peace.”

The Arab American Association also issued a statement condemning the attack and all forms of hateful violence, while warning that such acts must not be used to justify Islamophobia or Arabophobia. Their message was clear: bigotry in response to bigotry only deepens societal divides.

Speakers at the event emphasized that combating hate cannot be the responsibility of one community alone. It must be a shared mission, grounded in mutual respect, empathy, and action. This press conference served not only as a memorial for Yaron and Sarah, but as a renewed declaration that New York City stands united against hate in all its forms.

As one speaker put it, “This city may mourn today—but tomorrow, we organize, we educate, and we protect.”