Albany Jewish community reacts to DC shooting

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -Two Israeli embassy staff members are dead after a Wednesday evening shooting in DC. The AP reported that suspect yelled, “Free, free Palestine,” after he was arrested.

Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were leaving the Capital Jewish Museum when Elias Rodriguez allegedly shot and killed them according to police. “Anytime we hear someone shouting the words of free Palestine and then firing off and killing two beautiful young souls, we can all say, I think we can all agree that that is not a way to help to free Palestine,” stated Rabbi Greg Weitzman of Congregation Beth Emeth.

For some, it brings back chilling memories of what happened outside Albany’s Temple Israel in December of 2023. “A man who screamed, ‘Free Palestine,’ took a shotgun and shot at the building of Temple Israel where staff and children who attended a preschool were inside,” recalled Laura Weisblatt, cofounder of Amidah Albany.

No one was hurt. A medical transportation driver de-escalated the situation. The gunman pleaded guilty to federal charges is awaiting sentencing.

When it comes to acts of antisemitism, Rabbi Weitzman said the community doesn’t back down. “The incident that happened at Temple Israel was horrible, it was tragic but again, let’s not let that be the thing that we all remember. Let us remember immediately afterwards, we as a community came together to celebrate Hanukkah together, the governor was here as well at Beth Emeth to share with nearly 550,000 people, kids and adults, all generations to bring light into the world.” 

As the cofounder of Amidah Albany, Laura Weisblatt advocates for the Jewish community in Albany. She told NEWS10's Anthony Krolikowski that safety is always concern in community spaces including places of worship.  Security, both police and privately provided, is commonly present.

A spokesperson with Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan’s office sent the following statement:

We work closely with the rabbis and congregations throughout the City to ensure that people are able to gather peacefully and without threats of violence.

Congregation Beth Emeth will continue to hold its services on Friday evening. Rabbi Weitzman will also address the fatal DC shooting.