Capital Jewish Museum reopens week after Israeli Embassy staffers killed
WASHINGTON () — Leaders from several faiths helped reopen the Capital Jewish Museum in Downtown D.C. Thursday morning, one week after two Israeli Embassy staffers were gunned down outside.
Since last week's antisemitic attack after an event for young diplomats held at the museum, calls for peace came from Jewish leaders, and continued Thursday as the museum reopened its doors.
Israeli Embassy suspect charged with murder of a foreign official
'Reopening is more than a ceremony, it's a defiant act of hope,' Rev. Thomas Bowen of Shiloh Baptist Church of Washington said during his remarks, prior to the official reopening.
Flowers remain outside the museum to honor Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, a young couple who were soon expected to be engaged.
Seven days after the pair were killed, grief continues to grip the Jewish community — including for Dr. Beatrice Gurwitz, the museum's executive director.
'I'm devastated, and I think we are all devastated, Gurwitz said. 'When you face antisemitic violence that grows out of dehumanization of the Jewish people, and we are telling stories of Jewish and the richest diversity of the Jewish world and that seems essential and I hope people will join us in visiting the museum.'
The shooting suspect, 31-year-old Elias Rodriguez, of Chicago, was chanting 'free Palestine' as he was being taken into custody by police.
'It doesn't matter who the attacker or attackers are, or what they claim, their actions are criminal, inhumane, and not condoned in neither Islam, Christianity, Judaism, or other beautiful faith communities,' Imam Talid Shareef of Masjid Muhammad, The Nation's Mosque said.
Who were the victims of the shooting outside the DC Jewish Museum?
Chris Wolf, president of the museum's board of directors, said future work being done at the museum will be dedicated to the memories of Lischinsky and Milgrim.
'Our celebration of Judaism and all it has contributed to society is perhaps the best antidote to antisemitism,' Wolf said.
'May we all do our part to rid our communities of hatred and violence,' said Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. 'Help us to see one another in your eyes, and to live in hope of that day where there will be peace in this and every land.'
Rodriguez faces murder charges and is slated to appear in court on June 18.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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