Israeli Officials Mourn Victims of Antisemitic Terror Attack in Washington

Israeli leaders are reeling after a despicable act of antisemitic terrorism claimed the lives of two Israeli embassy staff members at the Jewish Museum in Washington, DC. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, has been widely condemned by Israeli and American officials alike, highlighting the global consequences of rising antisemitic incitement.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his deep sorrow and outrage, calling the murder “a horrific antisemitic act” and a grim reminder of “the terrible price of antisemitism and the wild incitement against the State of Israel.” He pledged to strengthen security at Israeli missions worldwide and reaffirmed Israel’s resolve to fight antisemitism “until eradicated.”

President Isaac Herzog echoed those sentiments, calling the attack “despicable” and a “heinous act of hatred.” Expressing his solidarity with the victims' families and embassy staff, Herzog stated, “Terror and hate will not break us.”

The victims, named by Israeli embassy spokesperson Tal Naim as Yaron and Sarah, were remembered in a deeply moving eulogy. “Just this morning, we were still laughing together by the coffee corner and now, all that remains is a picture,” Naim said. “What an unbearable loss.”

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon both framed the attack as a direct result of unchecked antisemitic rhetoric and violence. Sa’ar stressed that Israeli representatives are increasingly at risk, while Danon vowed that Israel will continue to protect its citizens wherever they serve.

Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli condemned the attack and issued a strong rebuke of antisemitic slogans like “Free Palestine,” noting that such chants have become “a banner not for peace but for hatred and violence.” He also thanked President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for their swift condemnation and support.

Consul General Ofir Akunis and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid directly connected the tragedy to global incitement. Lapid declared, “This is what they always meant by 'Globalize the intifada,’” warning that rhetoric from anti-Israel protests is now manifesting in deadly violence.

In a troubling twist, some officials blamed left-wing Israeli politicians for enabling this climate. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and MK Amichai Eliyahu pointed to Yair Golan’s inflammatory remarks, accusing him of fueling antisemitic narratives that embolden attackers.

Yet others, like National Unity chair Benny Gantz, called for unity in the face of tragedy. “The blood is on the hands of the murderer, not on each other’s,” he said, warning against internal division while facing growing external threats.

From government halls to cultural institutions, the grief was universal. Oded Revivi, CEO of the ANU – Museum of the Jewish People, emphasized that hatred of Israel is often just a modern form of antisemitism. “This attack sadly reminds us once again that hatred is directed at Jews simply for being Jewish,” he said.

As Israel and Jewish communities around the world mourn, one message stands clear: hatred will not silence or divide us. Israel stands firm at home and abroad in defense of its people and the values it represents.

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