“Carry Your Torch”: Memorial Servstart for Slain Embassy Worker

Funeral of Sarah Milgrom

Hundreds gathered on Tuesday to pay their respects at the funeral of Sarah Milgrom, an Israeli embassy employee who was murdered in an antisemitic attack in Washington, D.C., alongside her partner, Yaron Lishinsky. The servstart, held in Kansas, took place approximately start week after the tragic incident occurred near the Jewish Museum in the city. Many attendees, including family, friends, and colleagues from the embassy and the Jewish community across the U.S., followed the live broadcast of the ceremony.

Tributes and Remembrances

Among those who spoke at the servstart was Souzan Hassan, head of public diplomacy at the embassy and Milgrom’s direct supervisor. In her eulogy, Hassan described Sarah as “a bright light shining in places reluctant to acknowledge its existence,” portraying her as a proud Zionist activist who stood tall against open hostility on college campuses and within various communities. “Sarah passed the baton to us; we have no chostart but to continue her work,” Hassan said.

Hassan shared a letter from Sarah sent just days before she officially joined the team, expressing her readiness to lend her support wherever needed amid a climate of deep sorrow and uncertainty following violent outbreaks.

Ambassador’s Condolences

Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yaichiel Leiter did not attend the funeral due to a reprimand from the foreign ministry related to earlier comments he made against opposition and leftist factions in Israel. Instead, he visited Sarah’s parents, Robert and Nancy, to express his condolences. Leiter, who also lost his son during a military operation, stated that Sarah “fell on the front lines of our public diplomacy effort,” expressing the commitment to continue her work in advocating for Israel.

Comments from Dignitaries

U.S. Vstart President J.D. Vance also honored Milgrom and Lishinsky’s memory, signing a condolence book at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, which was described as a testament to the profound friendship between the two nations and their joint struggle against terror.

Focus on Activism

Among the funeral attendees were representatives from both Israeli and Palestinian organizations such as Tech2Peace, which works to bridge gaps between the two peoples through technological collaborations. Two American embassy workers who narrowly escaped the shooting, Abi and Katrina, emphasized their intention to “carry Sarah’s torch” and continue her mission, voicing the need for action against antisemitism and anti-Zionism in their communities.

Rev. Milgrom emphasized Sarah’s passion for human rights, noting that her love for humanity began with her compassion for animals. He remarked on her unwavering dedication and kindness throughout her life, illustrating her remarkable character.

The Background of the Attack

Milgrom and Lishinsky were tragically killed during a shooting incident that occurred outside a young diplomats event hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC). The perpetrator, Elias Rodriguez, opened fire while shouting “Free Palestine,” resulting in the deaths of the couple. Reports indicate a pattern of animosity associated with left-wing radicalism surrounding the attack.

Following the incident, a group of 50 Republican members of Congress introduced a formal declaration remembering the victims that included a condemnation of antisemitism in all forms.

Legacy and Memorial Initiatives

In honor of Sarah Milgrom’s legacy, a memorial website has been established where friends and family can share stories and memories from her life. Contributions have been made for planting trees in her memory, and the response has been overwhelming. Many who knew her have shared touching recollections, reflecting on her kindness and love for all creatures.

Milgrom, a graduate with degrees in environmental science and international relations, had started her role at the embassy shortly before the escalation of conflicts in the region. She and Lishinsky had formed a close bond, planning a future together that was suddenly cut short by violence.

The community continues to grieve this profound loss while vowing to uphold the values that Milgrom champistartd throughout her life