New Jersey United (“NJU”) is heartbroken and outraged by the heinous shooting of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, two Israeli Embassy staff members, outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on May 21, 2025. This horrific act is a stark reminder of the rising tide of antisemitism that threatens Jewish communities across the United States and beyond. We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of Yaron and Sarah, whose lives were tragically cut short in this antisemitic act of violence.
This despicable act underscores the urgent need for decisive action to combat antisemitism in all its forms including here in New Jersey. NJU calls on political leaders, including those in New Jersey, to unequivocally denounce this violence and take concrete steps to protect Jewish communities.
In New Jersey, where antisemitic incidents surged by 140% in 2023, with 830 reported attacks, the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism through Senate Bill S-1292 and Assembly Bill A3558 is critical. This definition provides legal consequences for the hateful rhetoric and actions that target Jews and deny Israel’s right to exist. New Jersey needs to join the 46 countries, 37 states and the District of Columbia in adopting IHRA.
We urge New Jersey’s voters to look at the candidates NJU endorses to see who is willing to stand up to hateful antisemitism. Together, we must stand resolute against antisemitism and all forms of bigotry, ensuring that such tragedies are never repeated.
