They Walked the Path of Solidarity—Now We Walk It for Them

Last night, a horrific act of antisemitic violence shook our community to its core.

Sarah Milgrim^z”l and Yaron Lischinsky^z”l—two vibrant young peacebuilders—were murdered outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. They were deeply committed to fostering understanding, bridging divides, and building a more just and compassionate world—values at the heart of our In Solidarity work.

Sarah was a beloved extended member of the Jewish Community Foundation and Federation family, known personally by several of our team members. Their murder is a devastating loss—not only to those who knew and loved them, but to all of us working for justice, advancing diversity, and fostering belonging across communities.

This tragedy hits painfully close to home for our In Solidarity community. Just last month, many of us gathered at the Capital Jewish Museum for our In Solidarity dinner. The museum is more than a building—it is a beacon of Jewish resilience and pride. A space where we dared to imagine a shared future across lines of race, faith, and difference.

To witness such violence outside a place so deeply rooted in our shared purpose is both heartbreaking and clarifying.

Now more than ever, we are committed to the work of In Solidarity: building enduring relationships across communities, reflecting honestly on the moment we’re in, and acting together to ensure all people can live in safety, dignity, and peace.

Our hearts are with Dr. Beatrice Gurwitz and the staff of the Capital Jewish Museum, whose warmth and partnership helped make last month’s gathering possible. May they find strength and support from all of us in the days ahead.

The In Solidarity Advisory Council will convene next week to process this tragedy and continue the work—together. We invite you to join us in reflection, recommitment, and action.

May Sarah and Yaron’s memory be a blessing—and a source of strength for all who carry their legacy forward.

In Solidarity,

Tonia and Sara

Tonia Wellons
President and CEO
Greater Washington Community Foundation

Sara Brenner
Executive Director
Jewish Community Foundation by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington