On Wednesday night, two staff members of the Israeli Embassy to the United States were shot and killed outside of Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. It was reported that the Metropolitan Police Department has a suspect in custody. The suspect chanted the words “Free Free Palestine” while in custody.
The conflict between Israel, Hamas, and other groups and nations in the Middle East has brought a great deal of suffering to all those involved. There must be a path to peace based on a mutual respect for the humanity and dignity of every person affected. Similarly, as Americans, we must find a common ground amongst our many differences. The United States is a country built on compromise and living shoulder to shoulder, even if we may not see eye to eye.
The murder of the two individuals in Washington, D.C. accomplished none of these goals. It was a horrific and senseless act of violence. What happened on Wednesday night will not “Free Palestine” nor bring peace to any part of the world.
We pray for the victims, their families, the State of Israel, and the Jewish people.
May their memories be a blessing.
