Climate Activist Sarah Milgrim Was Murdered

I write today with a broken heart.

Last night, my friend and fellow climate activist Sarah Milgrim and her soon-to-be fiancé, Yaron Lischinsky, were murdered in cold blood by a terrorist who shouted “Free Palestine” after taking their lives. It was a horrifying, antisemitic assassination that has left those who knew and loved them reeling.

Sarah was a young, passionate, and brilliant environmental advocate. She worked on climate and sustainability issues at the Embassy of Israel in Washington, DC, and was deeply committed to building a more peaceful and sustainable world.

Just eight days ago, I spoke with her about an upcoming climate initiative. She was full of energy and optimism. Recently, I attended an Earth Day event she co-organized, which featured Israeli environmental nonprofit leaders. Her leadership shone through—bright, compassionate, and determined.

Despite Sarah’s young age of 26, her environmental impact was already inspiring. She:

• Held dual Master’s degrees in International Affairs and Sustainable Development.
• Worked on deer issues, reforestation, clean water, and fighting harmful chemicals.
• Researched peacebuilding religious engagement in Israel, India, and Central America.
• Supported EPA Clean Water Act efforts and collaborated with the Smithsonian on field ecology.
• Was dedicated to grassroots initiatives and bridging divides through dialogue and data.
• Helped climate startups and breakthroughs that could reduce GHG and improve resilience.

Sarah truly embodied the Jewish value of tikkun olam—repairing the world. Her loss is devastating not only to her family and friends but to the entire global environmental and Jewish communities. We mourn not only the vibrant life that was stolen but also the future she was helping to build. Her boyfriend was a devout Christian who, like Sarah, was a true visionary.

At this same moment, Israelis are in bomb shelters. Innocent civilians in Gaza are suffering. So many of us continue to call for the release of all hostages and an end to the violence and war.

But today, I simply ask you to take a moment to reflect on Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky. May their memories be a blessing and a call to action—for peace, for justice, and for protecting life on this planet.