Indiana University Hillel Statement
the Tragic Murders of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky
Indiana University Hillel mourns the devastating loss of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, who were murdered in a targeted attack outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Sarah was a beloved alumna of the University of Kansas and an active leader with KU Hillel. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the entire KU Hillel community. We grieve with them and with all those impacted by this horrific act of violence.
As reported, the attacker shouted "Free, Free Palestine" while being taken into custody. This deeply disturbing context underscores a broader and growing concern: the use of extremist and dehumanizing rhetoric, often masquerading as political speech, that incites hatred and violence against Jews and Israelis.
Since October 7th, we witnessed such rhetoric on our own campus. Calls to "globalize the Intifada" have been voiced during campus protests and public events, including at an encampment on university grounds and at programs organized by the Palestine Solidarity Committee, an IU-sanctioned student organization, and the IU Divestment Coalition. These slogans and chants are not expressions of peaceful advocacy; they are acts of incitement that glorify violence and fuel antisemitism. When hatred is normalized under the guise of activism, it places Jewish students and communities at real and growing risk.
Indiana University Hillel, in close partnership with the Indiana University administration, remains steadfast in our mission to foster a safe, inclusive, and pluralistic campus environment where Jewish students can safely live, learn, and celebrate their identity with pride. We call on all members of the campus community including university leaders, faculty, and student groups to confront and condemn rhetoric that promotes violence, and to actively uphold the values of civil discourse, academic integrity, and mutual respect.
May the memories of Yaron and Sarah be a source of comfort and strength to those who knew and loved them and their lives continue to inspire peace, compassion, and resilience.
Zikhronam livracha.
