The Leadership Conference Statement on the Shooting Outside Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mattie Goldman, [email protected]

WASHINGTON Maya Wiley, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, released the following statement on the shooting outside of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.:

“Last night, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were brutally murdered after leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum hosted by our coalition member, the American Jewish Committee. This devastating act of antisemitism did not happen in isolation but comes at a time when antisemitism has been on the rise for years, when reported hate crimes are at an all-time high, and when Jewish Americans have been vulnerable to increased antisemitism in the wake of the terror attack in Israel on October 7, 2023.

“Jews deserve to live free from hate, to worship and celebrate their identity openly and freely, and to not be targeted for violence because of their real or assumed political views or association with Israel.

“The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights was founded by a cross section of African American, Jewish, and labor leaders who came together because they knew the fight for justice would only be won in coalition. Today, as we feel this pain and join in solidarity with the Jewish community, we are reminded of that mission and of Rabbi Joachim Prinz’s words from the March on Washington: ‘Neighbor is not a geographic term. It is a moral concept. It means our collective responsibility for the preservation of man’s dignity and integrity.’

“Our hearts are with the Jewish community as we join the families of Yaron and Sarah in grieving their loss. May their memories be for a blessing.”

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 240 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.

###