Latest news with #KUHillel
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
JCC holds vigil for local DC Jewish Museum shooting victim
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Hundreds packed the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park Thursday night for a vigil honoring victims of the Capital Jewish Museum shooting, . The local Jewish community is no stranger to hate and violence and has seen it before with the shooting that killed three in 2014, two on the Jewish Community Center campus, a third victim killed at nearby Village Shalom. But when people found out who one of the victims was in Washington D.C. they say it hit directly in their hearts. Local Jewish community reacts to Sarah Milgrim killing: 'A moment of pain' Friends say Sarah Milgrim learned to stick up for Jewish values when her high school, Shawnee Mission East, was the target of an antisemitic vandalism attack in 2017. She'd go on to KU where she joined the executive board of KU Hillel while still a student. Staff spent Thursday sharing memories. 'All of them shared there was a moment that it clicked in which she was able to convey that this was a priority for her and her Jewish community and identity and caring about the community around her was important,' Ethan Helfand, KU Hillel, said. 'She stood out as someone who shone as a bright light, who went on to great things in her all too short life,' Derek Gale, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City vice president said. Milgrim was killed Wednesday night outside the museum along with boyfriend Yaron Lischinsky. At a packed vigil Thursday Milgrim's college roommate described Lischinsky as intelligent and empathetic after meeting him. She shared how Milgrim knew he planned to ask her to marry her after she met his family on an upcoming trip to Israel. They met working at the Israeli Embassy in Washington D.C. Search underway in south central Kansas for missing Overland Park woman 'She was the ultimate peacemaker in her personal life and her professional life. Her whole life was devoted toward promoting peace in Israel,' friend Amanda Berger said. A peace Jewish community members say they hope will come, but for now they are grieving yet another tragedy hitting close to home. 'Tomorrow we can talk about resilience, tomorrow we can talk about healing, tomorrow we can try to make sense of this tragedy and maybe even talk about hope. All we can do tonight is come together to mourn, cry and hug each other,' Jay Lewis, Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City President, told the crowd that gathered. 'It will take time, we'll move forward together. We are taking this time to really grieve and mourn, but we'll heal together,' Gale said. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android Attendees included former Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer, Secretary of State Scott Schwab, Johnson County Commission Chairman Mike Kelly and Maor Elbaz-Starinksy, the Consul General of the State of Israel, who flew in to be with the grieving Kansas City-area community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Prairie Village native killed in antisemitic attack in D.C.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A chilling act of violence in the nation's capital has left the global Jewish community stunned and the Kansas City metro area mourning one of its own. Two Israeli embassy employees were killed in a suspected antisemitic double homicide outside a Jewish Museum late Wednesday night. One of the victims was Sarah Milgram, a 26-year-old diplomatic staffer and Prairie Village native remembered as a beacon of light and leadership. Accused shooter charged in Washington D.C. Jewish museum shooting Her death, and that of her boyfriend Yaron Lischinsky, has sparked waves of grief and disbelief, especially for those who knew the bright, passionate young woman once deeply involved with the local Jewish community. 'When you have one of your own murdered – it literally hits close to home,' said Jay Lewis, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, who had a personal connection to the Milgram family. Described by friends and mentors as, 'a positive energy force,' Sarah Milgram lived her life with intention and heart. A University of Kansas graduate and former student representative on the board of KU Hillel, she was known for her fierce advocacy, kindness, and unwavering commitment to fighting antisemitism. 'Bright, passionate woman. Super full of life. Committed to making the world a better place,' Lewis said. Sarah's former classmate, Elianna Bernstein, shared memories of her friend's warmth and humor. 'She was so inviting, so kind, she was funny. She was just such a fun person to be around,' Bernstein said. Kansas City man attacks multiple women, released, then strikes again Unbeknownst to many, Sarah was on the cusp of a new life milestone. Her parents learned, as the world did, that Yaron had just bought a ring. The couple was preparing to get engaged. But instead of planning for the future, her family is now grieving an unthinkable loss. 'It's unimaginable,' said Lewis. 'Their world has just been irreparably damaged,' Lewis said of Milgram's parents. While federal charges for murder have now been filed against the alleged gunman, the United States Attorney General Pam Bondi called it an act of hate. The tragedy underscores a painful reality for many Jewish Americans who feel the growing weight of antisemitism and fear for their safety. Still, Lewis offered a defiant message of hope. 'It is safe to be Jewish,' he said. KU Hillel released a statement honoring Milgram as well. 'Those closest to her describe her as the definition of the best person. She exemplified the values we hold dear,' it reads. Bernstein, still reeling from the loss, urges others to stay connected to the people who matter. 'This just shows you, keep in touch with the people who are meaningful and special,' she said. 'You never know what's going to happen.' Search underway in south central Kansas for missing Overland Park woman Sarah Milgram and Yaron Lischinsky will not be remembered for how they died, but for how they lived, as two people passionately committed to peace, diplomacy and justice. 'Her job for the Israeli embassy, she was on the front lines of trying to make peace and build connections between Jews and Arabs,' said Lewis. No announcements have yet been made regarding a celebration of life or memorial service for the couple. As this story continues to unfold, what remains clear is that Sarah Milgram's legacy, one of love, courage, and connection, will not be forgotten. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
