World Leaders Condemn Fatal Attack on 2 Israeli Embassy Staffers/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ World leaders condemned the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington. The attack, labeled antisemitic, has triggered calls for stronger protections. The suspect reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” during arrest.
Global Condemnation Quick Looks
- U.S. President Trump: Called the killings “horrible” and rooted in antisemitism
- Israeli PM Netanyahu: Blamed “wild incitement” and rising antisemitism
- UK PM Starmer: Urged unity and action to “stamp out antisemitism”
- France: Increased security at Jewish sites nationwide
- Germany: Called it a “heinous antisemitic act”
- Italy: Declared attack “unacceptable” and vowed to fight hate
- European Union: Warned against “hatred, extremism, or antisemitism”
- Czech Republic: Condemned the “vile antisemitic attack”
- Sweden: Warned that hate “must never be normalized”
- South Korea: Decried the shooting as a “barbaric act”
Deep Look: World Reacts to Killing of Israeli Embassy Staffers in Washington
WASHINGTON — May 22, 2025 — World leaders from across the political and geographic spectrum swiftly condemned the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy employees in Washington, D.C., calling it a dangerous act of antisemitic violence and vowing to increase protections for Jewish communities worldwide.
The victims, identified as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were killed Wednesday evening after attending an event at the Capital Jewish Museum. According to authorities, the suspect, Elias Rodriguez, shouted “Free, free Palestine” while being detained.
The shooting occurred as tensions soar globally amid the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, with political divisions over the conflict spilling into diplomatic and public spaces.
Trump: “This Must End, NOW”
U.S. President Donald Trump called the murders “horrible D.C. killings” and blamed rising antisemitism.
“These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW! Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA,” he posted Thursday on Truth Social.
Netanyahu: “Terrible Price of Antisemitism”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the shooting “horrific” and blamed it on unchecked antisemitic rhetoric:
“We are witnessing the terrible price of antisemitism and wild incitement against Israel,” he said in a formal statement.
UK: “Evil We Must Stamp Out”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed solidarity with the Jewish community and condemned antisemitism:
“My thoughts are with their colleagues, family and loved ones… Antisemitism is an evil we must stamp out wherever it appears.”
A spokesperson said the UK has offered full support to the Israeli Embassy in London.
France: “Visible, Dissuading Security Measures”
President Emmanuel Macron called the incident an “antisemitic attack.” Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot described it as:
“An abhorrent act of antisemitic barbarity.”
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau instructed French police and military to visibly secure Jewish institutions, including synagogues, schools, shops, and events.
Germany: “Strongest Possible Terms”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was “shocked” and condemned the attack:
“We must assume an antisemitic motive. I condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms.”
Italy: “Child of Hatred Against Jews”
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani issued a direct rebuke:
“Antisemitic violence that is the child of hatred against Jews is not acceptable and must be stopped.”
He reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to combating all forms of discrimination and promoting “peaceful coexistence.”
European Union: “No Place for Hatred”
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also weighed in:
“There is and should be no place in our societies for hatred, extremism, or antisemitism.”
Czech Republic: “Vile Antisemitic Attack”
The Czech Foreign Ministry condemned the violence:
“Our heartfelt condolences go to the families and loved ones of the victims.”
Sweden: “Never Be Normalized”
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Stenergard wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“This act of violence is yet another horrifying example of why hate and antisemitism must never be normalized.”
South Korea: “Barbaric Criminal Act”
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement:
“The government of the Republic of Korea expresses deep concern over the occurrence of a barbaric criminal act, which cannot be justified under any circumstances.”
International Fallout and Security Response
The international condemnations come amid growing fears that rhetoric surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is escalating into real-world violence. The incident has led Jewish communities and Israeli embassies in several countries to heighten security.
The Capital Jewish Museum also issued a statement expressing horror over the attack and reaffirmed its mission to remain a “safe, inclusive space for all.”
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