On May 21 Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, two Israeli Embassy staff members, lost their lives to senseless violence as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
How do we respond to this tragedy as a Greenspon Center?
First, we grieve. We are devastated. We grieve for Sarah and Yaron, whose promising lives were cut so short. We grieve for their families and friends suffering unimaginable loss. We grieve for Jews everywhere who have seen their worst fears of hatred turning into violence realized. And we grieve for all humanity because the existence of such heinous acts that go beyond antisemitism to much more.
There are many ways to respond to this incident. Leaders around the world are expressing condolences and support. Organizations far and wide are increasing their already high security at Jewish events and organizations. Law enforcement is investigating the crime to bring justice to bear.
At the Greenspon Center, our response is to redouble our efforts in Holocaust education and combating antisemitism. We believe education is the key to stopping hatred and prohibiting it from devolving to violence. We live in this world where antisemitism continues to increase at alarming rates. We are painfully aware of this evil every day. The horrific incident on May 21 is especially tragic, but sadly it is not an anomaly. Since the inception of our center, we have been working tirelessly to educate people, and educators who teach others, about Judaism, Israel, and the dangers of antisemitic rhetoric left unchecked. The murder of Sarah and Yaron is the most painful reminder of how important this work is.
We are grateful to you for partnering with us and supporting this work.
