Yaron and Sarah were shot outside the Capitol Jewish Museum where they had been attending a function for Jewish professionals working on finding humanitarian solutions for Gaza.

Elias Rodriquez, a 30-year-old Biden campaign donor and member of the far-left radical group “Party for Socialism and Liberation,” approached the couple as they left the event and shot them at point blank range. Rodriguez then entered the Jewish museum, donned a red-checked Jordanian keffiyeh and declared “Free, Free Palestine” before being arrested.

Yaron, a Messianic Jew, had just purchased an engagement ring and had intended to propose to Sarah next week in Jerusalem. Now, following the senseless act of violence targeting Jewish people, the kiddushin (Jewish betrothal) will never happen.

We extend our prayers to the families of the victims. Their lives were tragically cut short by this evil hatred. We must not tolerate antisemitism in America or anywhere in the world.

May Yaron and Sarah’s memory be a blessing.

Mat Staver
Chairman
Christians in Defense of Israel

SOURCES:

Heller, Mathilda. “‘I did it for Gaza': Who is Elias Rodriguez, far-left activist who murdered two Israelis?” The Jerusalem Post, May 22, 2025. JPost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-855018.

‌Pritchett, Elizabeth. “Two Israeli Diplomats Shot, Killed during Event at Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC.” Fox News, May 22, 2025. Foxnews.com/us/two-israeli-diplomats-shot-killed-event-capital-jewish-museum-washington-dc.