Congregation B’nai Jehudah says Sarah Milgrim was a ‘radiant presence’ and inspiration
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (KCTV) — A 26-year-old woman was killed Wednesday evening along with her boyfriend in what the FBI has called a “targeted act of violence.”
On Thursday morning, leadership with The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah shared with its community in a letter how their hearts have been broken.
“Our beloved community has been struck by devastating tragedy,” the letter read. “We mourn the loss of Sarah Milgrim, a proud member of our congregation, a devoted Zionist and a radiant presence in every space she entered. Sarah, who was serving at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., was fatally shot alongside her partner, Yaron Lischinsky, in what is being investigated as a deeply disturbing antisemitic attack.”
Milgrim was from Overland Park, graduated from high school at Shawnee Mission East and then the University of Kansas in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with a minor in anthropology. She also had a master’s in international affairs from American University.
The Israeli ambassador to the United States told CBS News that Lischinsky bought a ring this week “with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem.”
“Each and every time we saw [her parents] Bob and Nancy Milgrim, they kvelled and beamed with joy and pride about Sarah’s work and her steadfast devotion to Judaism and to Israel. Her commitment wasn’t just professional; it was deeply personal, rooted in her upbringing, her values and her unshakable identity,” the letter continued. “Sarah grew up in our community. She celebrated with us, learned with us and inspired us with her integrity and purpose. She stood for something larger than herself and she paid the ultimate price for it.”
Milgrim worked at the Israeli Embassy’s department of public diplomacy and organized visits and missions to Israel. She said that as a Jewish educator, she facilitated “insightful discussions on geopolitics in Israel and Palestine.” She said that she worked in Tel Aviv for Tech2Peace, an organization that provides “high-tech and entrepreneurial training alongside conflict dialogue to young Palestinians and Israelis.”
“Our hearts ache for Bob, Nancy, Jacob and all their extended family- cherished of our congregation, who are now bearing an unspeakable loss. We stand beside them, holding them close in our hearts and in our prayers,” the letter expressed. “At a time when hate feels close, we respond not with fear, but with unity. Not with silence, but with resolve. Sarah’s life and legacy demand nothing less.”
Robert “Bob” Milgrim told KCTV5 that her goal was to build lasting peace.
“She had a very strong feeling for Israel and she also had a very strong desire to figure out and help broker peace,” he said.
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