Home > Blog > Interfaith > A Letter from the Episcopal Diocese of Washington
May 22, 2025
Dear Friends of Washington Hebrew Congregation,
We write to express our sorrow and deep grief for the murder of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky at the Capital Jewish Museum on May 21st. We send our deepest condolences to Sarah and Yaron’s family and friends; to all in the Israeli Embassy; and to you, our Jewish neighbors and friends.
Our Christian faith compels us to join our colleagues and friends in the wider interfaith and ecumenical community in denouncing this heinous act of anti-Jewish violence and every ugly expression of antisemitism. We recognize the magnitude of tragedy and death in the Middle East that is a cause of unrelenting grief and frustration — which we share — yet that can never justify antisemitism and the violence it inspires.
Now is a time of grief for two young people, in love with one another and desiring to serve humankind, murdered in our city in an act of anti-Jewish hatred. We extend our hand of friendship to you, in grief for this heinous crime and incalculable loss. Please know that we will offer prayers of grief and consolation at worship services at the Cathedral and throughout the Diocese of Washington. May their memory be a blessing.
With thanksgiving for our friendship and shared commitment to peace and the thriving of all people,
The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Washington
The Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, Dean, Washington National Cathedral
Together, let us pray:
At the rising sun and at its going down; We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter; We remember them.
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring; We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer; We remember them.
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of the autumn; We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends; We remember them.
For as long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as, We remember them.
