Latest news with #Israeli-German
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Capital Jewish Museum reopens in an ‘act of resilience'
May 29 (UPI) -- The Capital Jewish Museum reopened Thursday morning with an invitation-only tribute to the Israeli Embassy staffers who were killed outside its entrance last week. "Today's reopening is not simply a return to normal," museum president Chris Wolf told visitors, WNBW reported. "It is an act of resilience," Wolf said. "It is a declaration that we will not allow hate to silence our voices or diminish our commitment to building a better future." Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser was among those invited and who attended the reopening of the museum that is located near the intersection of 3rd Street and F Street in the capital's downtown district. "Part of my charge to my team in every difficult circumstance is that we have to get open [and] we have to get back to normal," Bowser said during the reopening event. "Thank you for getting open," she told museum officials and staff. Bowser also encouraged city residents and visitors to: "Keep showing up for the Jewish community." A 'most heinous form of anti-Semitism' Museum officials called the attack the "most heinous form of anti-Semitism" in a statement posted on the museum's website. "They are a stark and tragic reminder of the hatred that, regrettably, still exists in our world," the statement says. "In the face of such darkness, we are called upon to respond not with despair, but with resilience." The museum had closed for a week following the May 21 double homicide of Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, after they left a museum event and were waiting to cross the street outside while on foot. Both were employed by the Israeli Embassy in the nation's capital and were a couple who many said likely were about to become engaged. Lischinsky was an Israeli-German citizen and had purchased an engagement ring ahead of a trip to Jerusalem, where he planned to propose marriage. Milgrim was born in Kansas and was a U.S. citizen. A history of anti-Israel activity Chicago resident Elias Rodriguez, 31, is a U.S. citizen and is charged with two counts of murder and other related crimes after traveling from Illinois to Washington, D.C., before the shooting. He did not enter a plea during his arraignment hearing. Rodriguez has a history of involvement in far-left and pro-Palestinian events and is recorded shouting, "free, free, free Palestine," as he was being arrested, according to an FBI affidavit. He had entered the museum that Lischinsky and Milgrim had just exited immediately after the shooting, the affidavit and witnesses say. Witnesses said he yelled, "I did it for Gaza," while admitting to the attack when police arrived and arrested him. Video footage from surveillance cameras in the area shows a man who looks and was dressed the same as Rodriguez walking past a group of four people, including Lischinsky and Milgrim. The man in the video then turned to face their backs, drew a firearm and shot Lischinsky and Milgrim in their backs. Video footage shows the man reloading the firearm and shooting each victim several more times. The FBI affidavit says law enforcement recovered a 9mm pistol from the scene that records show Rodriguez purchased in Illinois in 2020 and declared in his checked baggage when he flew to the capital. Spent casings from 21 cartridges were found at the scene, suggesting the shooter used two 10-round magazines and a chambered bullet during the attack.
UPI
3 days ago
- General
- UPI
Capital Jewish Museum reopens in an 'act of resilience'
1 of 5 | Visitors pray at a memorial to Yaron Laschinsky and Sarah Milgrim outside the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. Photo by Leigh Vogel/UPI | License Photo May 29 (UPI) -- The Capital Jewish Museum reopened Thursday morning with an invitation-only tribute to the Israeli Embassy staffers who were killed outside its entrance last week. "Today's reopening is not simply a return to normal," museum president Chris Wolf told visitors, WNBW reported. "It is an act of resilience," Wolf said. "It is a declaration that we will not allow hate to silence our voices or diminish our commitment to building a better future." Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser was among those invited and who attended the reopening of the museum that is located near the intersection of 3rd Street and F Street in the capital's downtown district. "Part of my charge to my team in every difficult circumstance is that we have to get open [and] we have to get back to normal," Bowser said during the reopening event. "Thank you for getting open," she told museum officials and staff. Bowser also encouraged city residents and visitors to: "Keep showing up for the Jewish community." A 'most heinous form of anti-Semitism' Museum officials called the attack the "most heinous form of anti-Semitism" in a statement posted on the museum's website. "They are a stark and tragic reminder of the hatred that, regrettably, still exists in our world," the statement says. "In the face of such darkness, we are called upon to respond not with despair, but with resilience." The museum had closed for a week following the May 21 double homicide of Yaron Lischinsky, 30, and Sarah Milgrim, 26, after they left a museum event and were waiting to cross the street outside while on foot. Both were employed by the Israeli Embassy in the nation's capital and were a couple who many said likely were about to become engaged. Lischinsky was an Israeli-German citizen and had purchased an engagement ring ahead of a trip to Jerusalem, where he planned to propose marriage. Milgrim was born in Kansas and was a U.S. citizen. A history of anti-Israel activity Chicago resident Elias Rodriguez, 31, is a U.S. citizen and is charged with two counts of murder and other related crimes after traveling from Illinois to Washington, D.C., before the shooting. He did not enter a plea during his arraignment hearing. Rodriguez has a history of involvement in far-left and pro-Palestinian events and is recorded shouting, "free, free, free Palestine," as he was being arrested, according to an FBI affidavit. He had entered the museum that Lischinsky and Milgrim had just exited immediately after the shooting, the affidavit and witnesses say. Witnesses said he yelled, "I did it for Gaza," while admitting to the attack when police arrived and arrested him. Video footage from surveillance cameras in the area shows a man who looks and was dressed the same as Rodriguez walking past a group of four people, including Lischinsky and Milgrim. The man in the video then turned to face their backs, drew a firearm and shot Lischinsky and Milgrim in their backs. Video footage shows the man reloading the firearm and shooting each victim several more times. The FBI affidavit says law enforcement recovered a 9mm pistol from the scene that records show Rodriguez purchased in Illinois in 2020 and declared in his checked baggage when he flew to the capital. Spent casings from 21 cartridges were found at the scene, suggesting the shooter used two 10-round magazines and a chambered bullet during the attack.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Capital Jewish Museum reopens as community continues to mourn couple killed
WASHINGTON - The Capital Jewish Museum will reopen Thursday, a little more than a week after two Israeli Embassy staffers were fatally shot outside its doors. The Brief The Capital Jewish Museum reopens Thursday, honoring two Israeli embassy staffers killed in a recent shooting. A memorial event at George Washington University drew mourners amid heightened security. Museum officials reaffirm their commitment to promoting dialogue, diversity, and education against hatred. Museum leaders plan to hold an invitation-only tribute ceremony honoring 30-year-old Israeli-German national Yaron Lischinsky and 26-year-old American Sarah Milgrim at 10 a.m. The two were not only Israeli Embassy staffers but a couple planning to get engaged in Jerusalem this week, according to officials. The museum will then reopen to the public at noon. On Wednesday night, mourners gathered at George Washington University for a memorial event. Security was heightened with metal detectors, police presence, and K-9 units as tensions remain high. READ MORE: 'Did it for Gaza:' Capital Jewish Museum shooting suspect D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith spoke at the gathering. Milgrim's father emotionally addressed the crowd by phone. Ahead of the reopening, museum officials reaffirmed their commitment to sharing the history of Jewish life in the greater Washington region. "We believe these horrific acts are the most heinous form of antisemitism. They are a stark and tragic reminder of the hatred that, regrettably, still exists in our world. In the face of such darkness, we are called upon to respond not with despair, but with resilience," the museum said in a statement posted to their website. Museum leaders emphasized the importance of promoting dialogue, celebrating diversity, and combating hatred through education. READ MORE: Hundreds attend memorial for Israeli Embassy workers killed What they're saying A Message from the Museum's Leadership Dear Friends, Neighbors, and Supporters, This previous week has been harrowing for all of us at the Capital Jewish Museum, and indeed, for the entire community. We are reeling from the senseless and brutal murders of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. Our hearts ache for their families and friends; we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to all who knew and loved them. The pain of this loss is profound and reverberates throughout our city. We believe these horrific acts are the most heinous form of antisemitism. They are a stark and tragic reminder of the hatred that, regrettably, still exists in our world. In the face of such darkness, we are called upon to respond not with despair, but with resilience. The Capital Jewish Museum stands as a testament to Jewish life, culture, and history, and we believe it is an important antidote to antisemitism. Our exhibits and programs are designed to educate, enlighten, and foster understanding, serving as a beacon against prejudice and intolerance. Therefore, we want to assure you that while we have paused our operations to mourn and to further enhance our security measures, we will reopen our doors to the community very soon. We continue our commitment to ensuring that our museum is a safe and welcoming space for everyone. We look forward to once again making our rich exhibits available, including our new and highly anticipated LGBTJews in the Federal City exhibit, which celebrates the vibrant and diverse tapestry of Jewish identity. In these challenging times, the museum's mission is more vital than ever. We are dedicated to promoting dialogue, celebrating diversity, and combating hatred through education and understanding. We will continue to be a place where history is honored, and where we collectively build a more inclusive and tolerant future. As we pause to remember Sarah and Yaron, may their memories be for a blessing. Thank you for your understanding, your support, and your shared commitment to a community free from hatred. With profound sorrow and unwavering resolve, Chris Wolf, Board President and Dr. Beatrice Gurwitz, Executive Director The Source Information in this article comes from The Associated Press, the Capital Jewish Museum, and previous FOX 5 reporting.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Hundreds attend memorial for Israeli Embassy workers killed outside Capital Jewish Museum
WASHINGTON - The D.C. community came together Wednesday night in unity, honoring the lives of two Israeli Embassy employees murdered last week at the Capital Jewish Museum. Hundreds gathered in solidarity with the Jewish community to remember the lives of the young couple. READ MORE:2 Israeli Embassy staff members killed in shooting outside DC's Capital Jewish Museum identified Security was incredibly tight—guests had to walk through metal detectors and canines were inspecting our equipment. It speaks to the level of heightened anxiety and the safety concerns from the Jewish community. It was a heartbreaking night of mourning this senseless killing but also an opportunity for the Jewish community to unite. The backstory One week ago, a night of hope turned into a night of violence and bloodshed in the streets of D.C. Two staffers at the Israeli Embassy, a young couple who were soon to be engaged were gunned down as they left a peace event at the Capital Jewish Museum. "How devastating to lose two young beautiful souls who dedicated their lives to building bridges. That's the irony of it all," said D.C. resident Vicki Meyouhls. The victims—30-year-old Yaron Lischinsky, a dual Israeli-German national, and 26-year-old American Sarah Milgrim—were remembered by name and legacy, bringing together a grieving yet resolute community. READ MORE: Two Israeli Embassy staffers fatally shot outside Capital Jewish Museum "We're at an inflection point. Anti-Semitism has been with us for a long time but can not be tolerated," said Ron Halber, CEO Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington. Speaker after speaker gave their sentiments, highlighting the resilience of the Jewish community and the need to do more to fight against hate. Big picture view MPD was out in full force and even D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith was there speaking about the increased patrols. "This is such a tragic incident. We're all healing. Anyone visiting our churches, mosques, and synagogues has the support of MPD," Smith said. The most emotional part of the evening, Sarah's father phoned in with a message of hope and peace. READ MORE: 'Did it for Gaza:' Capital Jewish Museum shooting suspect could face terrorism charges "Our hearts are broken. But Sara would not want our hearts to remain broken," he said. "She would want our hearts to mend so we can do what she set out to do—fight hate, fight antisemitism, create love, bridge gaps with all marginalized communities in the world." Dig deeper However, not all voices in attendance were focused solely on healing. Some speakers voiced frustration over the absence of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who was expected by many but did not attend. "I thought she would come here tonight and try to heal some wounds that were created only a few yards away by their indifference, and she didn't do it," said Rabbi Levi Shemtov. "So maybe Chief, with all due respect to you and to your force, I hope you'll tell the Mayor we're very disappointed she didn't come tonight." READ MORE:Israeli Embassy staffers killed: The final hours of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim FOX 5 reached out to the Mayor's office, which confirmed she was never officially scheduled for the vigil. However, officials stated she plans to attend the reopening of the Capital Jewish Museum set for Thursday. MPD has confirmed that officers will be present to ensure the safety of all attendees.
The Star
25-05-2025
- Science
- The Star
Climate change to weaken Middle East wind energy: study
JERUSALEM, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Climate change is projected to reshape wind energy potential across the Middle East, with turbine-height winds weakening despite stronger ground-level breezes, according to a recent Israeli-German study. The study, published Friday in the journal Climatic Change, predicted that coastal surface winds may strengthen by up to 0.7 meters per second by 2070, potentially easing extreme heat. However, winds at 150 meters above ground -- critical for turbines to generate energy -- could slow by up to 1.0 meter per second due to changes in the regional weather system, reducing energy output by up to 7 gigajoules over six hours and impacting renewable energy plans and investments, the study showed. One gigajoule is equivalent to 277.8 kilowatt hours (kWh). Highlighting varying wind energy capacity in different regions in the Middle East, the study stressed the need to analyze wind patterns at multiple altitudes to avoid flawed energy forecasts. The study urged policymakers to include future wind changes in their energy strategies, particularly by prioritizing resilient projects in high-potential regions like the Red Sea coast.
