Statement

2025

IHRA Chair and Secretary General statement on the murder of Israeli Embassy staff in Washington, D.C.

IHRA Chair and Secretary General express shock at the murder of two Israeli embassy staff members on 21 May, outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C and call on governments and institutions worldwide to ensure the protection of Jewish communities and institutions.

“We are deeply shocked by the murder of two Israeli embassy staff members on 21 May, outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington D.C. On behalf of the entire International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, we extend deepest condolences to their families, to their colleagues at the Israeli Embassy, and stand in solidarity with Jewish communities worldwide at this painful time.

This heinous antisemitic crime – which took place following a meeting organized by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) – underscores the ongoing and deadly threat of antisemitism. Around the world, hatred against Jews, often camouflaged as hatred against the Jewish state, is increasingly expressed as violence. That this attack occurred in the heart of the US capital, outside a museum dedicated to Jewish memory, culture, and community makes it even more alarming.

We welcome the condemnations expressed by various governments thus far and expect further denunciations of this crime.

We call on governments and institutions worldwide to ensure the protection of Jewish communities and institutions. The IHRA’s 35 Member Countries remain committed to actively countering antisemitism – together – wherever it appears.”

 

Dani Dayan                                        Michaela Küchler

IHRA Chair                                       IHRA Secretary General