The Weitzman responds to the deadly shooting on May 21, 2025 outside of the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C.

We are stunned by the murder of two Israeli embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC last night–Yaron Lishinsky and Sarah Milgrim. Our hearts are breaking for their loved ones and our thoughts are with our DC family.

Our own staff members were on the way home to Philly from Washington last night when we learned the news. We had been in DC participating in celebrations of Jewish American Heritage Month across the city.

We will not let this terrible act of antisemitic violence deter us from our work, proudly teaching and interpreting the history, heritage, and culture of Jews in America this May during Jewish American Heritage Month, nor any day of the year.

We remain vigilant about our security and are in close contact with local law enforcement, as always. Most importantly, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our educational work, teaching the true, joyful, and powerful stories of Jewish life in America as an antidote to antisemitism.

How you can help: Support the Jewish museum community – visit us at The Weitzman or your local Jewish museum wherever you live. Support your Jewish neighbors simply by being there for them. It’s not about policy, or ideological differences, it’s about simply standing with your neighbor and saying it’s not ok to be attacked simply for being Jewish.

Many of your communities may be organizing activities of solidarity–join in, hold the victims and their families your thoughts, and help to lift up the positive and true stories of Jewish life.

Please note: our OY/YO sculpture is offsite for refurbishment. Its departure is unrelated to current events.

Please find the statement from the Capital Jewish Museum here: Statement from the Capital Jewish Museum | Press Room

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