The murders of [Israeli embassy workers] Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky are very much on our minds as we pray for their families and grieve their loss along with those who were privileged to know and love them.
This heinous act of hate is not a surprise.
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The American Jewish Committee’s 2024 survey on “The State of Anti-Semitism in America” found that 33% of Jews had been the target of antisemitism either in person or virtually over the preceding year. Additionally, the Anti-Defamation League reported that in 2024, antisemitic incidents had increased by 344% over the last five years.
Even more troubling, a recent ADL survey on K-12 independent schools found that 21% of parents said their children had experienced or witnessed some form of antisemitism. The ADL and the AJC, along with the FBI and the State Department, are concerned about the recent historical increase in violence against Jews. The Palm Beach Fellowship of Christians and Jews is also concerned.
When did going to a religious service, a cultural event or a social gathering become a potential for loss of life? When did walking across a college campus to class become an intimidating experience? Can we really say that we did not see this coming? How many more “surprises” will it take before we are motivated to speak out against these reprehensible murders and condemn those who support it?
As we pass by synagogues on a Friday night we see armed guards and our town police on premises. It has become a normalized sight. Who would have thought that Jews in America would need to be afraid for their lives while attending religious services? When Jewish parents send their child off to college they not only feel sadness in missing their day-to-day presence but real fear for how their child will be treated by others.
We are a country of diverse opinions, different cultures and religions. When did we make the leap from discourse to violence? Whatever your opinion is about the Israel-Hamas war, you lack moral clarity when your opinion supports actions that lead to hate-fueled violence. Debate over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and how best to bring closure and peace has its place, but to target Jews because they are Jews is a blatant act of terrorism meant to intimidate and cause fear.
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Seven days ago in Boulder, eight Jews were burned and others sustained more minor injuries, as they peacefully walked to call for the release of those hostages who remain in Hamas’ custody. This was their way of remembering those victims and calling attention to their continued captivity. It is their constitutional right to do so — without fear. To suggest that these people were justifiable targets because they are Jews is outrageous and an excuse to commit antisemitic acts.
Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky were murdered because they were Jews. The leap was made from one person’s opinion to the violent act of taking their lives. What is so ironic is that Sarah and Yaron believed and hoped for peace among Jews, Muslims and Christians. They believed in co-existence. They longed for peace and believed it possible.
As we move forward, let us be steadfast in our fight against antisemitism wherever we encounter it. Don’t be silent. The Palm Beach Fellowship of Christians and Jews has stood with our Jewish brothers and sisters for 32 years and we continue that commitment to the Jewish community.
May the memories of Sarah and Yaron be a blessing.
Margaret Zeidman is the former president of the Palm Beach Town Council.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Rising violence against Jews requires steadfast fight against antisemitism | Letter
Reporting by Palm Beach Daily News / Palm Beach Daily News
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