JACL Shocked by Shooting of Israeli Embassy Staff
May 23, 2025
For Immediate Release
Wednesday night, two staff members of the Israeli Embassy were tragically shot and killed outside of an American Jewish Committee (AJC) young professionals event at the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown Washington. The JACL is deeply disturbed by this blatant act of antisemitism. In recent years, and especially since the attack on October 7th, 2023, there has been a well-documented rise in antisemitism in the United States. According to the AJC’s 2024 report, four in 10 (41%) young American Jews, ages 18-29, said they have been the target of antisemitism at least once in the past 12 months.
May is celebrated as Jewish American Heritage Month. It should be a time where we all come together and celebrate the rich history and culture of Jewish Americans. Instead, we are reminded that the Jewish American experience too often includes the fear of violence.
In a free society such as the United States, political violence is an unacceptable means to seek change. Such violence perverts the ongoing pursuit of justice for Palestine. We condemn this abhorrent act of antisemitism and any such violent acts motivated by hate or intolerance.
We send our condolences to the families of the victims and those impacted by this act of violence.
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The Japanese American Citizens League is a national organization whose ongoing mission is to secure and maintain the civil rights of Japanese Americans and all others who are victimized by injustice and bigotry. The leaders and members of the JACL also work to promote cultural, educational, and social values and preserve the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American community.
