They were young, in love, and days away from a life-changing moment.
Yaron Lischinsky, 30, had bought a ring and planned to propose to his girlfriend, Sarah Milgrim, 26, next week in Jerusalem. But before he could, the couple was shot and killed outside a Washington D.C. museum.
According to Israel’s embassy, where both worked, the pair was ambushed after a diplomatic event. The gunman, Elias Rodriguez, reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” during his arrest.
Their deaths have shaken the embassy and wider Jewish diplomatic community. “Instead of walking you down the aisle, we are walking with you to your graves,” said embassy spokesperson Tal Naim.
The embassy confirmed their identities Thursday, calling them “dedicated, compassionate, and committed to peace.”
Yaron had moved to D.C. in 2022 and was known for his passion for diplomacy and interfaith dialogue. Sarah, who joined the embassy in 2023, previously worked at Tech2Peace, promoting unity between Israelis and Palestinians.
Six months earlier, the couple met Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who later mourned them as “flowers of our people… plucked too soon.”
A ring meant to begin a life together now stands as a symbol of loss.