Global Jewish Week of Service launched to honour Washington DC terror victim

Jewish communities around the world will unite this month for Sarah’s Week of Service, a global initiative honouring the life and values of Sarah Milgrim, one of two people murdered by a pro-Palestinian terrorist outside the Capital Jewish Museum in May this year. 

Running from 22-29 December 2025, the week invites individuals, synagogues, workplaces and community groups to take part in acts of service reflecting causes Milgrim cared deeply about, including environmental stewardship, social justice, creativity and community care.

The murder of Milgrim, 26, and her partner, Yaron Lischinsky, sent shockwaves through Jewish communities worldwide. Organisers say the Week of Service is intended to transform that loss into something constructive and enduring.

Participants are encouraged to take part in activities ranging from food drives and neighbourhood clean-ups to advocacy work and personal acts of kindness. The initiative is deliberately decentralised, allowing people to engage in ways that are meaningful locally while contributing to a shared global effort rooted in Jewish values.

Support for the initiative is being extended through professional and communal networks, including JewishERGs, which is encouraging participation among Jewish Employee Resource Group leaders and members.

Steven Phillips, Executive Director of JewishERGs, said the week offers a powerful opportunity to turn grief into action. “This is a chance to turn something incredibly tragic into something positive,” he said. “Sarah believed deeply in building a more compassionate world, and that shone through over the dinner where we met just four weeks before she was murdered.”

He added: “This week is about inspiring positive change and ensuring Sarah’s legacy is not only remembered but amplified.”

Individuals and groups from Israel, Japan, Canada and across the United States have already committed to taking part, with organisers now inviting wider UK participation.

Those wishing to take part or commit to an act of service can find more information here and follow updates on Instagram @serviceforsarah.