KU Chabad mourns Sarah Milgrim’s death, announces plans to honor her

LAWRENCE, Kan. (KCTV) - Sarah Milgrim worked to bring peace to Gaza at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., but her life was about building community long before she moved away from the Kansas City area.

The 26-year-old graduated from the University of Kansas in 2021. She earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with a minor in anthropology. She also had a master’s in international affairs from American University.

While attending KU, she could be found at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life. KU Chabad said Milgrim’s life was filled with light, purpose, and dedicated to peace.

She was known to others there for Shabbat dinners and programs.

There are plans to honor Milgrim’s work and legacy. Fundraising is underway to build a New Chabad Center at KU. When the building opens, a room inside it will be dedicated in Milgrim’s honor.

“Her tragic murder in a terrorist attack in Washington, D.C., is a heartbreaking loss to all who knew her and the values she stood for. This dedication will ensure that her spirit continues to inspire light, unity, and hope for generations to come,” the group said in a statement.

“This is the first permanent constructed Jewish center on the KU campus,” Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel explained. “We are going to have hundreds of students, just like her, are going to celebrate carrying her name and her memory. That’s how we move forward.”

Chabad at KU said as the community grieves Milgrim’s death, there is also a need to focus on positive change. Suggestions include increasing love and reach out to someone, attend synagogue, and show Jewish pride while praying for healing and comfort.

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