Consider This from NPR: Two Israeli Embassy Staffers Killed Amid a Rise in Antisemitism

Introduction to the Tragic Incident

On the evening of May 22, 2025, a peaceful gathering turned tragic when Israeli embassy staffers Jeroen Leschinsky and Sarah Milgram were fatally shot in front of the Capitol Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The couple, who had come to enjoy an evening in Washington's cultural center, were en route to Jerusalem, marking Milgram's first meeting with Leschinsky's family. According to Israeli Ambassador Yahiel Leiter, Leschinsky had recently purchased a ring and was planning to propose to Sarah, adding a poignant layer to the loss.

Background on the Victims

Jeroen Leschinsky and Sarah Milgram were not just diplomats; they were a beautiful couple with deep personal connections and professional commitments to fostering international relations. Their untimely deaths have sent shockwaves through both the diplomatic community and those who knew them personally.

Context of the Event

The couple was attending an event organized by the young professional group of the American Jewish Committee, aimed at bridge building in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The theme, "Turning Pain into Purpose," sought to promote unity and understanding among young professionals from various embassies. Jojo Drake Kalin, the event organizer, explained the focus on fostering collaboration despite ongoing regional tensions.

Rise of Antisemitism in the United States

The shooting of Leschinsky and Milgram comes at a time when antisemitic incidents in the United States have reached unprecedented levels. According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the number of antisemitic acts surged, with a majority connected to criticism of Israel or Zionism for the first time since the ADL began tracking such incidents. Mary Louise Kelly highlights this troubling trend, underscoring the increasing security concerns within Jewish communities across the country.

Interview with Daniel Shapiro: Insights from a Diplomatic Veteran

To delve deeper into the implications of this attack and the broader context of rising antisemitism, NPR's Mary Louise Kelly spoke with Daniel Shapiro, the U.S. Ambassador to Israel during the Obama administration and a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council.

Shapiro's Immediate Reaction (00:53)

“I was in a hotel room in Chicago and immediately started to hear from friends and family all over the United States, in Israel, of course, I completely condemn the murders of these two innocent people and extend sympathy to their families,” said Shapiro (03:22). He expressed profound sadness and highlighted the personal impact of the tragedy on the global Jewish community.

Antisemitism in the United States (03:22)

Shapiro discussed the alarming increase in antisemitic sentiments in the U.S., noting, “It's hatred, it's anti Semitism. This was an anti Semitic hate crime for sure, but it was also an act of terrorism” (04:27). He emphasized that antisemitism in America, once perceived as primarily a European issue, now poses a direct threat to the safety and well-being of Jewish communities nationwide.

Terrorism and Antisemitism Intersection (04:27)

Shapiro elaborated on the convergence of antisemitism and terrorism, stating, “Terrorism is the use of violence to advance a political agenda... This has become much more common and unfortunately, too often associated with violence as well” (04:27). He underscored the dangerous trend of extremist ideologies fueling violent acts against Jewish individuals and institutions.

Confronting Antisemitism: Shapiro's Recommendations (05:52)

When asked about strategies to combat antisemitism, Shapiro provided a multi-faceted approach:

1. Enhanced Security: “The community itself will need to harden security of our institutions, and law enforcement will need to be more attentive and will need funding for those security requirements” (05:52).

2. Moral Clarity and Leadership: “We need moral clarity and strong political and communal leadership... that completely rejects anti Semitism and political violence of any kind” (05:52).

3. Education: “We need education to our young people of the history and the insidiousness of this persistent hatred” (05:52).

4. Community Resilience and Alliances: “We need to double down on our commitments to and our involvement in Jewish communal life and strengthen our ties to allies of all faiths” (05:52).

Shapiro emphasized the importance of collective action, stating, “The vast majority of Americans utterly reject this hateful violence. But we're now all called upon to express that and then, of course, to defeat it” (05:52).

Balancing Free Speech and Antisemitism (07:28)

Kelly raised the issue of balancing legitimate political protest against Israel with the need to reject antisemitism. Shapiro responded by acknowledging the right to peaceful protest while condemning actions that cross into hatred and violence: “Peaceful protest, expressing oneself about policy views always allowed, tying it to these ancient and persistent hatreds, and obviously any expression of it through violence, completely unacceptable” (07:28).

Impact on Israeli Efforts for Peace (08:46)

Shapiro addressed the potential impact of such attacks on peace efforts in the region, noting that the prolonged conflict since October 7th has already resulted in significant loss and suffering on both sides. He expressed concern that antisemitic violence could further entrench divisions: “When the ideology that spawned the war... is replicated around the world against Jewish targets... it raises the concern that this is going to be a long running theme of Israeli life and of Jewish life” (08:46). Shapiro called for clear denunciations from global allies to prevent the perpetuation of hate-fueled violence and to pave the way for a peaceful resolution.

Conclusion

The tragic deaths of Jeroen Leschinsky and Sarah Milgram serve as a stark reminder of the rising tide of antisemitism in the United States and its devastating consequences. Through insightful analysis and recommendations, Daniel Shapiro highlighted the urgent need for enhanced security, education, community resilience, and moral leadership to combat this pervasive hatred. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the loss of these two embassy staffers underscores the critical importance of unity and decisive action in the face of growing antisemitism.

Production Notes

This episode of Consider This was produced by Megan Lim and Kira Wakim, edited by Patrick Jaranwadanan and Courtney Dorning, and executive produced by Sami Yenigun. For those interested in supporting NPR and accessing sponsor-free content, consider subscribing to Consider This+ at plus.npr.org/considerthis.