August 7, 2025 — Washington, DC
American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Justice’s procurement of the indictment of Elias Rodriguez, the individual charged in the May 21, 2025, murders outside the Capital Jewish Museum.
“Sarah Milgrim (z”l) and Yaron Lischinsky’s (z”l) young lives and full potential were horrifically stolen on May 21 outside the Capital Jewish Museum after they left an AJC event. This deliberate and heinous act was a deeply personal tragedy for their families and for the entire AJC community. It was an assault on the values we hold as Americans, as Jews, and as members of a shared society. Their families deserve justice and healing. We are grateful for the vigor with which the Department of Justice has proceeded thus far, and are confident that it will diligently continue its pursuit of justice for this murderous hate crime.
“The May 21 shooting outside the Museum was motivated by hatred but we will not allow acts of terrorism to silence or isolate us. We honor the memories of Sarah and Yaron by remembering their values, their work, and the life they should have lived together and by redoubling our efforts to ensure that the Jewish people and the State of Israel are safe and thriving and to build a world grounded in respect, safety, and justice.
“May their memories be a blessing and strengthen our shared resolve.”
AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. With headquarters in New York, 25 regional offices across the United States, 15 overseas posts, as well as partnerships with 38 Jewish community organizations worldwide, AJC’s mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. For more, please visit www.ajc.org.
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