Victims in US shooting 'were Messianic believers'

The two victims of the antisemitic shooting in the US were Messianic believers, reports state.

Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim have been named as the victims of the Wednesday night shooting at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC.

In a video statement issued online late Thursday afternoon UK-time, Aaron Abramson, Executive Director and CEO of Jews for Jesus, said Yaron Lischinsky was a member of the "body of Messiah in Israel".

Separately, One for Israel Ministry also described Milgrim as a "messianic believer".

Speaking on social media, Abramson said: “I’m reaching out to you today after hearing about the tragic antisemitic attack that took place in Washington DC last night.

“Two Israeli embassy aides were shot and killed in cold blood.

'Dear brother'

"Our hearts are broken as one of the victims was a dear brother, a member of the body of Messiah in Israel.

“We're grieving deeply with his family, his friends and his community. It’s in times like these that we're reminded our desperate need for the hope that only God can bring.

Above: Aaron Abramson (Credit: Instagram)

“As it says in the Psalms, ‘the Lord is near to the broken hearted’. I'm reaching out to you today to ask you to stand with us against antisemitism and to lift up our people today as they're hurting. Pray with us, that they might experience the peace that only the Prince of Peace can bring, our Messiah Yeshua. Thank you and Shalom.”

On Instagram, Jews for Jesus stated: "Our hearts are broken over this horrific violence and we ask that you keep their loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time. May their memories be a blessing."

And One for Israel Ministry - which describes itself as "an initiative of Jewish and Arab born-again believers, building the Kingdom in Israel through online evangelism and our own Bible college" - also reported that Milgrim was a believer too.

In a statement on X, the organisation said: "We are deeply saddened and appalled by the devastating news of the violent terrorist attack that took the lives of two of our dedicated Embassy staff in Washington — Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim.

"Both were Messianic believers. Yaron was well known among the believing community in Israel and will be deeply missed. Our hearts go out to their grieving families in this time of sorrow, and we remain steadfast in our support for them. May their memories be a blessing."

One tribute under the One for Israel post on X said: "Two souls, radiant with love, hope, and an unshakable faith in Christ, were taken far too soon, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, courage, and unwavering dedication to peace..."

'Their faith in Christ'

The tribute continued: "Their faith in Christ was the cornerstone of their lives, a guiding light that fuelled their compassion and courage. As Messianic believers, they walked a path of deep spirituality, trusting in the Messiah’s promise of redemption and love.

"Their work was not just a career but a calling, a reflection of their belief that even in a broken world, God’s love could inspire reconciliation and hope. Yaron’s cheerful spirit and Sarah’s gentle strength were gifts they shared freely, touching hearts from Washington to Jerusalem.

"To Yaron and Sarah, we say: You were flowers in full bloom, plucked too soon but forever cherished. Your lives were a melody of grace, your love a testimony to the beauty of faith in action. The pain of your loss is unbearable, yet we hold fast to the promise that you are now in the presence of the One you served so faithfully. Your work for peace, your love for each other, and your devotion to Christ will live on in every heart you touched, every bridge you built, every moment of kindness you shared.

"We weep for you, Yaron and Sarah, but we also celebrate you. May your memories be a blessing, and may your legacy inspire us to carry forward your mission of love, faith, and peace. Rest in the eternal embrace of our Lord, where hatred cannot touch you, and where your light will shine forever."

The Guardian newspaper in the UK reported: "Lischinsky, a German Israeli, worked in the political department of the Israeli embassy in Washington. He moved to Israel when he was 16..."

It added: "The Israeli ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, said Lischinsky had been born in Nuremberg, Germany, and was 'a Christian [and] a true lover of Israel'."

Independent Jewish website Forward.com reported: "Lischinsky, born in Germany to a Jewish father and Christian mother, moved to Israel at 16 and found a spiritual home in Melech Ha’Mlachim — “King of Kings” in English — a Messianic congregation near Jerusalem’s bustling Mahane Yehuda market. There, he translated sermons for English-speaking visitors..." Lischinsky’s family are also members of Melech Ha’Mlachim, the website says.

'Dangerous wave of antisemitism'

The Christian Post online reported Susan Michael of the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem USA (ICEJ) as saying she had met Lischinsky: "I met Yaron at the ICEJ Gala in honour of Israel's 75th anniversary. He and his family are cherished friends of ICEJ President, Dr. Juergen Buehler," she told the website.

"That his life — and Sarah's — was so senselessly cut short... is beyond heart-breaking," she added. "I have worked with the embassy for over 40 years, and never have I witnessed such brazen hatred against the Jewish people. This is not an isolated tragedy — it is part of a dangerous wave of antisemitism that is spreading rapidly and must be confronted with courage and moral clarity. Our prayers are with the families of Yaron and Sarah, and with the entire Israeli diplomatic community."

Sarah Milgrim's father, Robert, has told CBS News in the US that his daughter "loved Israel" and "loved everybody that lived in the Middle East", the BBC reported.

"She spent several summers in Israel and she worked with... Palestinian and Israeli groups to bring them together," he told the broadcaster. "She had a lot of close Palestinian friends, as well as many Israeli friends."

The statement from Aaron Abramson can be viewed on Instagram here and on X here. The One for Israel statement is here.

This report has been updated several times as more information emerges.