Remembering Sarah Milgrim: A Life Dedicated to Peace Beyond Tragedy

In an era dominated by empty rhetoric and digital posturing, Sarah Milgrim stood out as a rare figure: a humble architect of peace. Rather than chasing publicity, she sought meaningful conversations. Only a few years after graduating college, she had already established herself by engaging with groups that united Christians, Jews, and Muslims, as well as Israelis and Palestinians. Her master’s thesis focused on how cross-cultural friendships serve as vital instruments in fostering peace.

Our paths crossed through this shared mission—first in Morocco less than a year ago, and again recently in New York City.

This week, those who knew Sarah were devastated to learn she was fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, alongside her partner, Yaron Lischinsky. Authorities have characterized the attack as politically motivated and antisemitic. The couple was targeted as they departed an interfaith event themed around "turning pain into purpose," a gathering dedicated to humanitarian efforts, including support for civilians in Gaza. The assailant reportedly shouted "Free Palestine" during the shooting. The tragic irony of this moment is stark and unsettling.

Yet, it is not this grim image that should define Sarah’s memory.

Her legacy must not be distorted or exploited—neither by the perpetrator nor by those who seek to politicize her death. Sarah’s name should not become a tool or symbol wielded by any faction aiming to advance their agenda through her loss.

The Sarah I knew embodied what might be described as peace diplomacy.

I first met Sarah during an interfaith fellowship about nine months ago in Morocco, organized by the American Jewish Committee in partnership with the Mimouna Association, which preserves Moroccan Jewish heritage. The program united Jews and Muslims from the United States, Israel, France, and Morocco. It was Sarah’s first visit to my homeland. An American Jew, Sarah connected with me—a French-Moroccan Muslim researcher whose work focuses on Middle East diplomacy and peace-building initiatives, including the Abraham Accords and grassroots efforts that foster coexistence. From the outset, Sarah’s conviction in a future Middle East built on peaceful coexistence rather than conflict was unmistakable.

One of my earliest impressions of Sarah was her profound admiration for the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. There, she learned about Morocco’s rich tradition of religious coexistence and the deep roots of Abrahamic dialogue that have nurtured Jewish-Muslim friendships for generations. Respecting local customs and the sanctity of the mosque, Sarah asked a companion to photograph her outside the site wearing a veil. That moment captured her spirit—a living symbol of sincere and mutual respect bridging cultural divides.