Dear Temple Beth El Family,
We are heartbroken and grieving the loss of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, two members of the Israeli Embassy staff who were murdered Wednesday night as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. They were young, devoted public servants, leaving a gathering for Jewish young professionals and diplomats.The theme of the event was “Turning Pain into Purpose,” focused on how multifaith and non-profit organizations are collaborating to address the humanitarian crises in the Middle East and North Africa.
This senseless act of violence has stirred deep sorrow and shaken many of us. We grieve Sarah and Yaron’s deaths and send our deepest condolences to their family, friends and community. And we also grieve for the pain and weariness that so many in the Jewish community are carrying right now.
Attending a Jewish event should never come with danger. Authorities have reported that the attacker shouted “Free Palestine” while being arrested. There must be no confusion: this was not a protest. It was a hateful, antisemitic act, and we hope to see it condemned clearly and unequivocally by all who value human dignity and life.
This was an isolated incident. There is no indication of a broader threat, and our community remains safe. Still, it did not happen in a vacuum. When protesters chant slogans that glorify violence or portray all Jews and all Zionists as oppressors, it creates a climate where hatred toward our people is tolerated and even encouraged. This rhetoric is not just misguided. It is dangerous. It must be condemned. As the Jewish community, we have seen where this kind of language can lead. We will not stay silent.
Please know that your safety and well-being remain our highest priority. We are in close coordination with Shalom Park security, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and the FBI. There is no known threat to our community, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that Temple Beth El and Shalom Park remain places of security, belonging, and comfort.
At times like these, we lean into what we know brings meaning: Shabbat, sacred gathering, and being with one another.
We invite you to join us this Shabbat—Friday evening at 6:13pm or Saturday morning at 10:30am—as we make space to reflect, to mourn, and to find strength in our shared tradition and in being surrounded by community.
Please know that your clergy are here to support you and be a listening ear. If you would like to talk, please reach out to Renata Rosenberg, Clergy Assistant, to schedule a time to speak with us.
May the memories of Yaron and Sarah be a blessing. And may we continue to care for one another with tenderness, courage, and deep love for the Jewish people.
With care and strength,
Rabbi Asher Knight
Cantor Danielle Rodnizki
Rabbi Beth Nichols
Rabbi Lexi Erdheim
Jonathan Friedman, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer
Alan Kronovet, President
A-J Secrist, First Vice President
