The death of Sarah Milgrim, a 26-year-old diplomat from Overland Park, Kansas, has sent shockwaves across America. A rising star within the Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C., her commitment to peace and Israeli-Palestinian cooperation was deeply ingrained in her.
On Wednesday, May 21st, 2025, Sarah Milgrim and her fiancé, Yaron Lischinsky, were victims of a shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum following a Young Diplomats Reception. The alleged perpetrator, Elias Rodriguez, was arrested and shouted "Free, free Palestine" following the act. The young woman, a graduate of the University of Kansas and holding a master's degree in international affairs from American University, worked in the embassy's public diplomacy department. She was also involved in peacebuilding and intercultural dialogue initiatives, notably with Tech2Peace in Tel Aviv.
Her grieving family described Sarah as a radiant individual, devoted to Zionism and driven by a fervent desire to contribute to peace in the Middle East. She paid the ultimate price for her ideals.