They were young, in love, and just days away from a life-changing moment.

Yaron Lischinsky had already bought the ring. He was planning to propose to his girlfriend, Sarah Milgrim, next week in Jerusalem. But before he got the chance, the couple was gunned down outside a Washington D.C. museum.

Shouted “Free Palestine”

According to the Embassy of Israel in United States, both Yaron and Sarah worked at Israel’s embassy in Washington.

On Wednesday night, after attending a diplomatic event at the Capital Jewish Museum, the couple was ambushed. Police say the gunman, later identified as Elias Rodriguez, shouted “Free Palestine” as he was arrested.

Yaron and Sarah’s deaths have rocked both the Israeli embassy and the broader Jewish diplomatic community. A spokesperson for the embassy, Tal Naim, who had been close with the pair, shared a heartbreaking reflection:

“Instead of walking you down the aisle, we are walking with you to your graves. What an unbearable loss.”

The Israeli embassy confirmed their identities Thursday morning, posting a photo of the couple, who were described as dedicated, compassionate, and committed to peace.

“Yaron and Sarah were our friends and colleagues,” the embassy said in a statement shared on Facebook.

“They were in the prime of their lives. The entire embassy staff [are] heartbroken and devastated by their murder. No words can express the depth of our grief and horror at this devastating loss.”

Moved from D.C. in 2022

The shooting occurred after an event described as a “Young Diplomats Reception,” hosted by the American Jewish Committee. It was meant to bring together young Jewish professionals between ages 22 and 45.

Yaron Lischinsky, 30, had moved from Jerusalem to D.C. in 2022. A standout in university, he once traveled to Paris for a Model UN event and was voted “delegate of the week.” He had written about the importance of “multilateral cooperation between countries,” and on LinkedIn, he described himself as a strong advocate for the Abraham Accords and interfaith dialogue.

Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar spoke directly to Lischinsky’s father, offering solemn words: “A warrior on our diplomatic front that fell just like a soldier in the battlefield.”

Milgrim, just 26, had moved to Washington in late 2023. Before her role in the embassy’s public diplomacy department, she worked for Tech2Peace, an Israeli nonprofit focused on fostering dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. Her former employer described her as someone who believed deeply in unity.

“Sarah was a deeply curious person, always seeking to learn and connect,” the organization shared on Instagram.

“She brought people together with empathy and purpose, and her dedication to building a better future was evident in everything she did. Her voice and spirit will be profoundly missed.”

Six months before their deaths, the couple had met Israeli President Isaac Herzog during his U.S. visit. On Thursday, Herzog posted a tribute calling them:
“Flowers of our people who were plucked just before they were supposed to get engaged and build a life together.”

At a press conference, Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter confirmed what so many had feared: the couple was about to become engaged.

“The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem,” he said.

Now, a ring meant for a new beginning is a symbol of loss.