Killing of Israeli embassy workers inspires father to confront rising antisemitism

Key Concepts

• Anti-Semitism: Prejudice, hostility, or discrimination against Jewish people.
• Anti-Defamation League (ADL): An organization that tracks and reports on anti-Semitic incidents.
• "Knocking on the Roof": A military tactic used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) involving a non-explosive or low-yield device to warn civilians to evacuate a building before an airstrike.
• Premeditated Violence: Acts of violence planned in advance, specifically referencing the suspect traveling from Chicago to Washington D.C. to commit murder.
• Legacy Preservation: The act of honoring a deceased loved one through advocacy, education, and public service.

---

1. Overview of Anti-Semitic Trends

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reports a complex landscape regarding anti-Semitism in the United States. While there was a 33% decline in total anti-Semitic incidents (vandalism and harassment) from 2024 (9,354 incidents) to 2025 (6,274 incidents), the data reveals a disturbing trend in violence:

• Physical Assaults: Despite the overall decline in incidents, physical assaults against Jewish individuals reached their highest level since 1979, with over 200 reported cases.
• Long-term Context: Current incident levels remain five times higher than they were a decade ago.

2. Case Study: The Capital Jewish Museum Attack

The interview centers on the murder of Yaron Lashinsky (30) and Sarah Milgram (26), two young employees of the Israeli Embassy in the U.S.

• The Incident: One year ago, a gunman traveled from Chicago to Washington D.C. to target an event for young diplomats at the Capital Jewish Museum, resulting in the deaths of Lashinsky and Milgram.
• Legal Status: The Department of Justice has officially announced it will seek the death penalty for the alleged perpetrator.
• The Suspect’s Motivation: The suspect’s writings suggest his actions were a response to the war in Gaza, claiming his violence was a "sane" reaction to perceived atrocities.

3. Perspectives on Anti-Semitism and Conflict

Daniel Lashinsky, father of the victim, provides a personal perspective on the rise of hate:

• The "Old Virus" Argument: Lashinsky rejects the notion that the Gaza war is the sole cause of anti-Semitism, describing it instead as an "old virus" or "demon" that periodically resurfaces.
• Media and Propaganda: He draws a parallel between current media narratives and the propaganda used during the Nazi era, arguing that lies are being used to incite hatred against Jewish people today.
• Refutation of Connection: Lashinsky argues there is no logical connection between the actions of the State of Israel and anti-Semitic violence in the U.S. He defends Israeli military conduct, specifically citing the "knocking on the roof" protocol as evidence of Israel’s efforts to minimize civilian casualties—a standard he claims no other country follows.

4. The Ethics of Justice and Legacy

The interview highlights the internal conflict regarding the death penalty:

• Conflicting Views: While Lashinsky’s wife believes the perpetrator deserves the death penalty due to the premeditated nature of the crime, Daniel expresses personal difficulty in wishing for someone's death, stating he is grateful he does not have to be the one to make that legal decision.
• Legacy and Advocacy: To honor his son, who was described as a "peacemaker," Lashinsky plans to:
  • Publish a book featuring his son’s photography.
  • Engage in public speaking, particularly in churches, to educate people about Israel and combat anti-Semitism.
  • Continue his son’s mission of bringing people together regardless of their background.

5. Synthesis and Conclusion

The tragedy of Yaron Lashinsky and Sarah Milgram serves as a stark reminder of the rising tide of physical violence against the Jewish community in America. Despite the statistical fluctuations in general anti-Semitic incidents, the severity of targeted physical attacks is at a historic high. Daniel Lashinsky’s response—rooted in faith, grace, and a commitment to education—stands as a counter-narrative to the hate that claimed his son’s life. His testimony emphasizes that while the "virus" of anti-Semitism is persistent, the responsibility to preserve memory and foster human connection remains a vital tool for resistance.