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A terrorist attack took place in Washington, D.C., which stunned the Israeli diplomatic community: Yaron Lishinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgram, 26, employees of the Israeli Embassy in the United States, were killed. According to Ynet, Israeli diplomats commenting on the tragedy said: “We are shocked, but the attack was foreseeable.” After the attacks of 7 October 2023, warnings of possible attacks on Israeli missions were received almost daily.
The world’s reaction: “A heinous crime”
The terrorist attack caused a wide response around the world. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy called it a “heinous crime of anti-Semitism” and expressed his condolences to the victims’ families. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also strongly condemned the murder, emphasising its anti-Semitic nature. In France, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced that security at all sites associated with the Jewish community would be strengthened.
Increased security and links to anti-Semitic campaign
After the terrorist attack, the United States stepped up security measures around Jewish and Israeli institutions. Similar measures have been taken in other countries where Israeli missions operate. In his address to diplomats, Israeli Foreign Minister Eden Bar-Tal said: “This is an unbearably difficult day. We are shocked by the brutal murder of our young and talented colleagues who were planning a life together.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that the attack was “a direct result of a poisonous anti-Semitic campaign” that has been going on since 7 October 2023. According to him, Israel’s accusations of “genocide” and “child murder” create the basis for such crimes. Saar also ordered flags at all Israeli missions around the world to be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning.
Anti-Israeli rhetoric and the terrorist
According to reports, the terrorist, Elias Rodriguez, was formerly affiliated with the PSL communist party in the United States, which has been known to make anti-Israeli slogans, including accusing Israel of “genocide” in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasised: “We see the terrible consequences of anti-Semitism and rampant incitement against Israel.” He thanked U.S. President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi for their clear stance against anti-Semitism and their promise to investigate the case to the end.
Fighting on the diplomatic front
Yair Frommer, Head of the Trade Union Committee of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and promised support to their families. Eden Bar-Tal stressed that the war is being waged not only on the battlefield, but also in public opinion and political life, where Israeli diplomats are resisting attempts to delegitimise Israel.
The terrorist attack in Washington was a tragic reminder of the growing wave of anti-Semitism and the threats faced by Israeli missions around the world.
Source: Ynet
