After Israeli Embassy officials were gunned down in a suspected terror attack, Mayor Adams blasted antisemitic rhetoric while bolstering security at Jewish sites across New York City.
Key Takeaways
- Two Israeli Embassy staff members, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were murdered outside Washington, DC’s Capital Jewish Museum by a gunman who reportedly shouted “Free, free Palestine!”
- The NYPD has immediately deployed additional patrols, counter-terrorism officers, and heavy weapons teams to Jewish institutions across NYC despite no direct threat to the city.
- Mayor Eric Adams condemned the violence as a “depraved act of terrorism” while drawing connections between the murder and pro-Palestinian protests, stating, “We cannot color-code hatred.”
- Antisemitic incidents in New York rose by 18% in 2024, with attacks against Jewish communities still constituting 56% of all hate crimes in NYC.
- Security has been heightened at Israeli diplomatic facilities and major Jewish institutions throughout the city, continuing heightened vigilance that began after the October 7 Hamas attacks.
NYPD Mobilizes Swift Security Response
The New York Police Department has deployed an extensive security operation across Jewish institutions throughout the city following the targeted killings of Israeli Embassy staffers Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim in Washington, DC. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the department’s first Jewish commissioner, has authorized increased visibility patrols, heavy weapons teams, and counterterrorism officers at synagogues and cultural centers. This rapid security escalation comes despite authorities not identifying any specific threats to New York City in connection with the murders.
“While there is no known nexus to NYC, in response to last night’s horrific attack in D.C. targeting Jews and Israelis, the NYPD is increasing its presence at religious sites and cultural institutions with high visibility patrols, heavy weapons teams and counterterrorism officers,” stated the NYPD in their official announcement.
The department’s Joint Operations Center has been activated to monitor live feeds and social media for potential threats, while the NYPD maintains close coordination with the FBI on the ongoing investigation. The murder suspect, Elias Rodriguez, was apprehended at the scene after allegedly shooting the Israeli officials as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum. Reports indicate he shouted pro-Palestinian slogans during his arrest, immediately raising concerns about the attack’s political and antisemitic motivations.
Mayor Adams Condemns Violence and Protest Rhetoric
Mayor Eric Adams delivered a forceful rebuke of both the violence in Washington and the ongoing pro-Palestinian demonstrations in New York City, drawing direct connections between the rhetoric at these protests and escalating antisemitism. Adams did not mince words in his assessment of the situation, labeling the murders a “depraved act of terrorism” while criticizing those who attempt to separate anti-Israel sentiment from antisemitism.
“Let’s call this what it is: a depraved act of terrorism,” Mayor Eric Adams stated during a press conference announcing the city’s response measures.
In a direct challenge to protest organizers and participants, Adams further stated, “We have heard so many people claim these protests aren’t antisemitic, they’re just anti-Israel. We cannot color-code hatred.” His comments reflect growing frustration among city officials at the increasingly hostile environment faced by Jewish residents, particularly following the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. While antisemitic hate crimes have reportedly decreased by 6% overall, they still constitute an alarming 56% of all hate crimes documented in the city.
Jewish Community Leaders Respond with Resilience
The response from Jewish community leaders across New York has combined mourning with a message of steadfast determination. Rabbi Joshua Davidson of Temple Emanu-El, one of Manhattan’s most prominent synagogues, acknowledged the emotional impact of the attack while noting that heightened security has become an unfortunate reality since October 7. The temple, like many Jewish institutions across the city, has maintained increased security protocols for months.
“This was a devastating attack, and the community is deeply upset, sad, obviously for the losses, and also, once again, alarmed. Antisemitism has been rising for a long time, even before Oct. 7, but certainly since,” said Rabbi Joshua Davidson in his assessment of the community’s reaction.
Rabbi Arthur Schneier, a Holocaust survivor who leads Park East Synagogue, delivered perhaps the most powerful message of resilience: “Fear is not the answer.” His perspective, shaped by surviving history’s darkest chapter of antisemitism, provides a sobering context for the current situation. The American Jewish Committee’s Josh Kramer drew direct lines between protest rhetoric and violence, stating, “This is what ‘Globalize the Antifada’ looks like,” referring to slogans commonly heard at campus and street demonstrations across the country.
Broader Implications for National Security
The attack has triggered increased security not just in New York but at Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide. Ofir Akunis, Israel’s consul general in New York, placed blame squarely on “incitement and riots led by terror-affiliated groups on U.S. campuses” for creating an environment where such attacks can occur. The Biden administration has ordered heightened security at Jewish institutions nationwide, reflecting concern that the Washington murders could inspire copycat attacks.
“Will be remembered as being warm, compassionate, a wonderful listener and a devoted partner,” said Josh Kramer, describing victim Sarah Milgrim, while noting both victims had been actively working to advance peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine whether Rodriguez acted alone or had connections to organized terrorist groups. President Trump has ordered a comprehensive review of security protocols at Jewish sites across the country, with particular attention to diplomatic facilities and cultural institutions. For New York’s Jewish community, the increased police presence provides some reassurance, but the psychological impact of yet another targeted attack remains profound.
