Israeli staff shot dead in D.C were young couple set to be engaged

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Young Couple Killed Outside D.C. Museum Had Planned to Get Engaged Next Week

They were young, in love, and just days away from taking the next big step in their lives.

Yaron Lischinsky had already bought the ring and was planning to propose to his girlfriend, Sarah Milgrim, next week in Jerusalem. But the couple never got the chance—both were fatally shot Wednesday night outside a Washington, D.C. museum.

Suspect Allegedly Shouted “Free Palestine”

According to the Israeli Embassy in the U.S., both Yaron and Sarah were members of its diplomatic staff in Washington.

The tragic incident happened after the pair attended a diplomatic event at the Capital Jewish Museum. Authorities say the gunman, later identified as Elias Rodriguez, ambushed the couple and allegedly shouted “Free Palestine” during his arrest.

Loss Felt Across Diplomatic Community

The deaths of Yaron and Sarah have sent shockwaves through the Israeli embassy and the wider Jewish diplomatic community.

Tal Naim, a spokesperson for the embassy and a close friend of the couple, shared a heartbreaking message:
“Instead of walking you down the aisle, we are walking with you to your graves. What an unbearable loss.”

The embassy confirmed the couple’s identities Thursday morning and shared a photo of them, calling them “dedicated, compassionate, and committed to peace.”

“They were in the prime of their lives,” the embassy said in a statement. “The entire embassy staff is heartbroken and devastated. No words can express the depth of our grief.”

Both Had Recently Moved to the U.S.

The attack happened after a “Young Diplomats Reception” hosted by the American Jewish Committee, an event meant to connect Jewish professionals between the ages of 22 and 45.

Yaron, 30, had moved from Jerusalem to D.C. in 2022. An accomplished student, he had represented Israel at international Model UN conferences and described himself as a strong supporter of the Abraham Accords and interfaith dialogue.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar spoke with Yaron’s father, honoring his son’s service:
“A warrior on our diplomatic front who fell like a soldier on the battlefield.”

Sarah, 26, had moved to Washington just months earlier, in late 2023. Before joining the embassy’s public diplomacy department, she worked at Tech2Peace, a nonprofit that promotes dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. The organization described her as “curious, empathetic, and deeply committed to unity.”

“She brought people together with empathy and purpose,” Tech2Peace shared. “Her voice and spirit will be profoundly missed.”

A Life Interrupted

Just six months ago, the couple met Israeli President Isaac Herzog during his visit to the U.S. On Thursday, Herzog honored their memory, calling them
“Flowers of our people, taken just before they were to begin their life together.”

At a press conference, Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter confirmed that Yaron had recently purchased an engagement ring.
“He intended to propose to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem,” Leiter said.

Now, the ring that was meant to begin a new chapter in their lives stands as a tragic symbol of what could have been.

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