We Mourn a Tragedy

May 22, 2025

Dear Friends,

We are heartbroken as we mourn the devastating loss of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, Israeli Embassy staff, who were murdered outside the Capital Jewish Museum last night. We send our love to their families as they absorb the depth of this tragic news.

I was brought to tears this morning when the very first text message I received expressing concern was from our community’s dear friend Mohammad Darawshe, of Givat Haviva, who wrote:

Dear Rabbi Zemel,

My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and the entire community affected by this senseless act of violence.

I just wanted to reach out and say that I hope you, your family, and your loved ones are safe. In times like these, words often feel inadequate, but please know that you are in my thoughts. If there’s anything I can do, even just to listen, I’m here for you.

Wishing you strength and peace during this difficult time.

Mohammad

Shortly after that, I heard from Lee Siegel as he too expressed his concern for us. Lee, as you will recall, is a member of our partner congregation Birkat Shalom at Kibbutz Gezer who spoke with us months ago before his brother Keith was released from his captivity in Gaza.

Our entire world is darker today, but when these two voices from two different communities in Israel reach out in love and concern, there is a lot of hope and strength in this seemingly small gesture. It is with the inspiration of their light that we will kindle our Shabbat lights tomorrow evening. I therefore urge you to join us for Shabbat at Micah where we can support each other, mourn these tragic deaths, and join in prayer for a better day ahead. As we look to gather this Shabbat please note that we are taking special security precautions.

Shalom,

Rabbi Daniel G. Zemel

On behalf of my colleagues Rabbi Josh Beraha, Rabbi Stephanie Crawley, Rabbi Healy Slakman