Elias Rodriguez has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
Liberal Senator Dave Sharma has expressed his horror at the recent act of terror in Washington in which two Israeli embassy staff were killed.
This comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to boost security at embassies around the world after the young couple were fatally shot in an allegedly targeted anti-Semitic attack.
Before entering federal politics, Sharma served as Australia’s ambassador to Israel from 2013 to 2017.
“I am horrified by the terrorist attack on Israeli embassy staff in Washington D.C. A couple, about to become engaged, were killed,” he said.
Suspect Charged
Elias Rodriguez has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder after Sarah Lynn Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky were shot dead outside the Capital Jewish Museum.
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Rodriguez, 30, was allegedly heard shouting “free free Palestine” after the incident.
In a post to social media, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino urged Americans to pray for the families of the victims.
No Place for Anti-Semitism in the World
Foreign Minister Penny Wong also expressed her thoughts for the families of the victims, their loved ones and colleagues.
“There is no place for anti-Semitism in the world. It must be denounced and condemned.”
Meanwhile, the Australian Jewish Association said it was appalled by the deadly attack.
Its chief executive officer, Robert Gregory, said the attack served as a stark warning to Australia.
“We believe it is only a matter of time before anti-Israel extremists carry out serious violence or cause loss of life here,” he said.
Gregory called for an “urgent crackdown” on “anti-Israel extremists” in Australia. He claimed recent political statements in Australia had led to an increase in threats against Jewish targets in Sydney.
“We urge authorities to act before it is too late and we call on political leaders to show restraint and avoid rhetoric that contributes to division and hatred.”
Recently, Wong joined foreign leaders from 22 other nations to call for Israel to allow more aid into Gaza.
“Whilst we acknowledge indications of a limited restart of aid, Israel blocked humanitarian aid entering Gaza for over two months. Food, medicines and essential supplies are exhausted. The population faces starvation. Gaza’s people must receive the aid they desperately need,” the joint statement said.
“They are clear that they will not participate in any arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles. Humanitarian principles matter for every conflict around the world and should be applied consistently in every warzone,” foreign leaders added.
“Prior to the aid block, the U.N. and humanitarian NGOs delivered aid into Gaza, working with great courage, at the risk of their lives and in the face of major access challenges imposed by Israel.”
