In a powerful show of unity and defiance against hate, Mayor Eric Adams and an interfaith coalition of leaders came together following the tragic killing of two young embassy workers, Yaron Lutschinski and Sarah Lynn Milgram, during a Jewish Heritage Month event in Washington, D.C.

The couple, described as being in the prime of their lives, were gunned down in what officials are calling a clear act of anti-Semitic terrorism.

“You’re either on the side of hate or you’re going to stand up against it,” declared Deputy Mayor Fabien Levy, who was with Mayor Adams at two Jewish Heritage Month events the night prior to the attack. “I know where Mayor Adams stands and where this diverse group of people stand.”

The incident, which unfolded during an American Jewish Committee event in D.C., sent shockwaves across communities and prompted swift action from New York leaders.

“To have Yaron and Sarah… assassinated in public view is something that will leave a scar,” said Mayor Adams. “This violence is exactly what they mean when you hear the words ‘globalize the intifada.’ It is the actual playing out of these comments… Let’s call this what it is: a depraved act of terrorism.”

Mayor Adams announced that the NYPD would immediately increase its security presence at Jewish cultural institutions, synagogues, and Israeli diplomatic locations, emphasizing this was an act of “overabundance of caution.” He added, “We cannot be hypocritical as a city, as a state, and as a country. Consistency and clarity are important.”

Reverend Al Sharpton, who joined the gathering, expressed moral outrage and deep solidarity. “You cannot be a civil rights activist or leader if you’re only for your own civil rights,” he said. “We must agree that we will not let hate and violence take anyone.” He praised the mayor’s leadership and emphasized that silence is not an option in the face of such hatred.

From the Israeli Consulate, Ariella Rada mourned the loss of her colleagues and called for global unity. “We are heartbroken and horrified… Yaron and Sarah were brilliant, young, and planning to get engaged. Their death is senseless,” she said. “This is the result of unprecedented incitement pushed by terrorists… This is a global problem.”

Hindi Pupko from the UJA Federation echoed that sentiment: “Shocking, but sadly not surprising… After 19 months of violence and hateful rhetoric, violence was inevitable. But Jewish life will continue. We remain resolute.”

Representing the Muslim community, Mohamed Razvi of the Council of People’s Organization stated, “If you take one innocent life, it’s as if you have taken the life of all mankind.” He stressed the importance of interfaith unity: “Hate is something that is perpetuated, taught. We must stand together. This is what humanity is about.”

Reverend A.R. Bernard of the Christian Cultural Center delivered a poignant reminder: “Protest must never become terror… Let us work together unafraid of who may judge our unity.”

Rabbi Joseph Potasnik of the New York Board of Rabbis concluded the event with a reflection that brought history into the moment: “Anne Frank was a young woman consumed with love, whose life was consumed by hate. We’re remembering two people whose lives were consumed by love. We must ensure hate never consumes our future.”

Mayor Adams, underscoring the significance of this gathering, emphasized that New York’s Jewish community will not stand alone. “You can’t be 10% of a city and be subject to over 60% of the hate crimes. We will not be silent… and we will make sure this never happens again.”

“A dark place is not a burial, it’s a planting,” Adams quoted his mother. “Let’s use this opportunity to sow seeds of peace and make sure the world knows the true evils of anti-Semitism.”