I am shocked and saddened by the senseless violence that occurred Wednesday night in Washington, D.C., leading to the deaths of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, two Israeli embassy staff members, who were about to be engaged.

For two young adults, about to embark on a life together, to be struck down by someone motivated by anti-Jewish and anti-Israeli hate, is chilling and profoundly disturbing. Political violence has no place in our country.

I commend all the public safety personnel who are working hard to assure the safety of the Jewish community in Washington, in Massachusetts, and nationwide. May the memories of Yaron and Sarah be a blessing to their families and our entire community.

Greg Schwartz

Massachusetts State Representative, 12th Middlesex