New York City deploys counter-terrorism forces to synagogues after two Israeli Embassy staff were brutally murdered in a targeted antisemitic attack in Washington, D.C., with the killer reportedly shouting “Free, free Palestine!” upon arrest.
Key Takeaways
- The NYPD has increased security at Jewish institutions citywide following the murder of two Israeli Embassy staff members outside a D.C. Jewish museum.
- Mayor Eric Adams condemned the killings as a “depraved act of terrorism,” directly connecting it to rising antisemitism and anti-Israel protests.
- The gunman, Elias Rodriguez, reportedly shouted pro-Palestinian slogans upon arrest, confirming the antisemitic nature of the attack.
- Despite a slight decrease in recent hate crimes against the Jewish community, they still constitute 56% of all hate crimes in NYC.
- Security measures include deploying counter-terrorism officers, heavy weapons teams, and increased patrols at religious sites across the city.
Mayor Adams Orders Immediate Security Response
New York City has dramatically increased security measures at synagogues and Jewish institutions following the horrific antisemitic murders of two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, D.C. Mayor Eric Adams immediately ordered the NYPD to deploy counter-terrorism officers, heavy weapons teams, and increased patrols around Jewish cultural institutions and houses of worship throughout the five boroughs. The decisive action comes despite no direct threat to New York City, demonstrating the administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward antisemitism and violence against the Jewish community.
“To have Yaron and Sarah be assassinated in public view is something that will leave a scar on not only Jewish citizens of this city and country, but for all of us of goodwill,” said Mayor Eric Adams.
Details of the Washington D.C. Attack
The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were gunned down after attending an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez, reportedly shouted “Free, free Palestine!” upon his arrest, confirming the antisemitic nature of the attack. This targeted killing comes amid escalating tensions following the Israel-Hamas conflict and has prompted increased security at Israeli diplomatic facilities worldwide. The Biden administration’s passive response to growing antisemitism on college campuses and in major cities has allowed this poisonous ideology to spread unchecked.
“This is what ‘Globalize the Antifada’ looks like,” said Josh Kramer of the American Jewish Committee. “We cannot separate the violence from the dangerous rhetoric that fuels hate and conspiracies against Jews.”
NYC’s Jewish Community on Alert
Despite a reported 6% decrease in hate crimes against the Jewish community in recent months, antisemitic incidents still make up an alarming 56% of all hate crimes in New York City. The Anti-Defamation League reports that antisemitic incidents rose by 18% in 2024, highlighting the persistent threat facing Jewish New Yorkers. The NYPD’s Joint Operations Center is actively monitoring live feeds and social media for potential threats, and the department is collaborating with the FBI in the ongoing investigation of the D.C. shooting.
“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 of Temple Emanu-El.
Mayor Adams Condemns Anti-Israel Protests
Mayor Adams directly connected the D.C. murders to the escalating anti-Israel protests that have plagued New York City and other major metropolitan areas in recent months. These demonstrations, often featuring violent rhetoric and calls for the elimination of Israel, have created an environment that encourages extremism and poses a direct threat to Jewish Americans. The Mayor’s strong stance represents a break from the weak responses we’ve seen from many left-wing politicians who have refused to acknowledge the antisemitic nature of these so-called “pro-Palestinian” demonstrations.
“We have heard so many people claim these protests aren’t antisemitic, they’re just anti-Israel. We cannot color-code hatred,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “We may not agree on politics, but we must agree that we won’t let hate or violence take anyone.”
Community Leaders Call for Unity Against Hate
In response to the attack, religious and community leaders across New York City have called for unity in the face of rising antisemitism. Cardinal Timothy Dolan has expressed solidarity with the Jewish community, while Rabbi Arthur Schneier, a Holocaust survivor, emphasized the importance of resilience. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the first Jewish person to hold this position, expressed her pain over the attack, demonstrating the deep impact these murders have had on Jewish Americans nationwide.
The increased security measures in New York City will remain in place indefinitely as authorities continue to monitor the situation. Jewish community leaders have expressed appreciation for the swift response while acknowledging the sad reality that such heightened security has become necessary in the face of persistent antisemitism. President Trump’s administration has consistently stood with the Jewish community against all forms of antisemitism, and these tragic murders underscore the importance of remaining vigilant against hate in all its forms.
