Remembering Sarah Milgrim: A Life Devoted to Quiet Peacebuilding Amid Tragedy

In an era dominated by superficial slogans and online posturing, Sarah Milgrim stood out as a rare and genuine advocate for peace. Rather than seeking attention, she focused on fostering meaningful dialogue. Just a few years after graduating college, she was recognized for her active involvement in organizations uniting Christians, Jews, and Muslims, alongside Israelis and Palestinians. Her final master’s thesis explored how cross-cultural friendships contribute to peace-building efforts.

Our paths first crossed less than a year ago in Morocco, and again recently in New York City, connected by a shared commitment to interfaith understanding.

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 described the attack as politically motivated and antisemitic. The couple was targeted as they left an interfaith gathering focused on transforming pain into purpose — a night dedicated to humanitarian cooperation, including support for civilians in Gaza. The assailant reportedly shouted "Free Palestine" during the shooting, underscoring a tragic and bitter irony.

However, the memory of Sarah that should endure is far different.

Her legacy must not be hijacked — neither by the perpetrator nor by those who seek to leverage her death for political agendas. Sarah’s name should not be exploited as a symbol or rallying point by any faction aiming to advance their cause through her tragedy.

Sarah embodied what might be called peace diplomacy.

I met Sarah on an interfaith fellowship trip to Morocco about nine months ago, organized by the American Jewish Committee and the Mimouna Association, which preserves Moroccan Jewish heritage. The program brought together Jews and Muslims from the United States, Israel, France, and Morocco. It was her first visit to my country. As an American Jew, Sarah’s commitment to peace was evident. I am a French-Moroccan researcher and Muslim, focusing on diplomacy and peace-building in the Middle East, including initiatives like the Abraham Accords and grassroots people-to-people efforts that can make peace tangible. From the outset, Sarah believed in the possibility of a Middle East founded on coexistence rather than conflict.

One of my earliest impressions of Sarah was her awe at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. There, she learned about Morocco’s rich tradition of coexistence and the deep roots of Abrahamic dialogue that have nurtured Jewish-Muslim friendships for generations. Out of respect for local customs and the sacredness of the mosque, Sarah asked a companion to take a photo of her outside the mosque wearing a veil. In that moment, she represented a living promise — one grounded in sincere, mutual respect.