Following D.C. Shooting, Unity Against Hate is Imperative

Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, two young Israeli embassy staffers, were killed Wednesday night in Washington, D.C., after leaving a Jewish community gathering. Witnesses report the attacker yelled “Free Palestine” before opening fire and stated, “I did it for Gaza.”

This was a deliberate antisemitic act, and sadly, it’s not an isolated case.

Since the conflict in Israel, antisemitism has surged in North America. It’s appearing on campuses, at demonstrations, on social media, and now on the streets of the U.S. capital. Most concerning is the increasing ease with which it’s tolerated, justified, or disregarded.

Historically, antisemitism has often been treated as a secondary concern, even in spaces dedicated to human rights and justice. However, this form of hatred is not only persistent but also adaptable, aggressive, and, as we’ve seen, increasingly violent.

My human rights work, particularly with the Raoul Wallenberg Centre, has shown me how unchecked hate evolves and spreads. In various leadership roles, I’ve strived to create coalitions that unite against systemic racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate. However, antisemitism today requires immediate, focused attention.

Therefore, building strong alliances is crucial. Initiatives like Van Jones’ Exodus coalition, which unites Black and Jewish leaders to combat rising hate and foster understanding, provide a model for the solidarity needed now. These coalitions don’t diminish the unique dangers faced by each group; instead, they strengthen our collective determination to confront them all.

It is possible to support Palestinian rights while also condemning antisemitism. However, this requires empathy and the courage to speak clearly, even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular.

The victims in Washington were not abstract symbols. They were real people with families and futures. Their deaths must not be just another news item but a warning.

This is not a time for silence, but for clarity and, above all, courage.

Let’s honor those we’ve lost not only with mourning but with action. Let’s stand together firmly and unapologetically against the ancient hatred that has resurfaced with deadly consequences.