In a tragic turn of events, Auburn University men’s basketball head coach Bruce Pearl has expressed his deep sorrow following the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, were fatally shot on May 21, 2025, during a “Young Diplomats Reception” hosted by the American Jewish Committee. The assailant, Elias Rodriguez, a 31-year-old from Chicago, reportedly shouted “Free, free Palestine!” during the attack, which authorities are investigating as a targeted act of anti-Semitic violence .
Coach Pearl, who is Jewish and has been a vocal advocate for Jewish causes, has been a prominent figure in college basketball. He recently stood alongside fellow Jewish coaches Todd Golden of Florida and Jon Scheyer of Duke at the Final Four, highlighting the significance of Jewish representation in sports during a time of heightened tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict .
In the wake of this tragedy, Pearl has called for unity and resilience, emphasizing the importance of combating hate and supporting the Jewish community. His condolences reflect a broader outpouring of grief and solidarity from Jewish leaders and communities worldwide.
