Latest news with #Razin
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Shooting victim Sarah Milgrim remembered as 'a light' who fought antisemitism
Ayelet Razin says the sudden and tragic death of Sarah Milgrim has left her not only mourning her dear friend but also increasingly alarmed and angry about antisemitism. Authorities say Milgrim and her boyfriend, Yaron Lischinsky, were shot at about 9 p.m. as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum. The alleged shooter, identified as Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old from Chicago, yelled "Free Palestine! Free Palestine!" as he was taken into custody, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said at a news conference. Investigators believe Rodriguez acted alone. "It's not my regular response to something like this, to do media interviews," Razin said. "But if this isn't a wake-up call, I don't know what is." Milgrim helped coordinate meetings and discussions with Razin, an expert in international law and human rights, who previously served in Israel's Ministry of Justice, as she worked on Capitol Hill and in Washington to influence U.S. policies on terrorism, accountability and gender-based violence. Milgrim had worked at the Israeli embassy since November 2023, according to her LinkedIn profile. The work – hearing and seeing testimony from victims of antisemitic and gender-based violence – can be traumatizing to even experienced experts, said Razin. But Milgrim "felt this is her role in all of this catastrophe that landed on us" in the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Speaking to USA TODAY via Zoom from Israel, Razin called Milgrim "a light and an enlightened person," someone whose presence could instantly lift the people around her. "That was her most powerful armor: her wit, her intelligence and her maturity," Razin said. Milgrim, who held a master's degree in international affairs from American University, a master's in natural resources and sustainable development from The University for Peace and a bachelor's degree in environmental studies from the University of Kansas, told Razin she'd joined the embassy staff in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack "after feeling a rise in antisemitism around her, something she hadn't sensed before, or at least not as strongly." "The same antisemitism she decided to struggle against full-force brought her tragic end of life," Razin said. Razin said she did not know Lischinsky, but was grateful to hear that her friend was "very happy and in love." Asked how she wanted Sarah Milgrim to be remembered, Razin smiled. "She entered a room and there was a glow, a shine, and that was her strongest force," she said. "People listened to her. She's calm, she was polite, and she used those tools to set the story right, to bring facts ... She joined this team in the embassy to use her skills, her talent, not in acts of violence but in diplomacy." As for returning to Washington, D.C. now that her friend is gone, Razin said she would, but it would not feel the same ever again. "We would meet in a coffee house across from the White House," Razin said. "I can't even imagine going back without her there, but if asked to, I will because it's continuing her mission." Razin warned that more acts of violence against Jewish people and Israelis will occur if those who spread hate, antisemitism and violent rhetoric are not held fully accountable. She called the current rise in antisemitism, both in the U.S. and abroad, "a dangerous movement." "This is not a sporadic act of violence," she said, pointing to the rising number of attacks on Jewish and Israeli people worldwide. "The strong antisemitic wave is being legitimized and normalized in the name of free speech. Not enough is being done. This is not the last murder. I am sure it will inspire others to do the same." Contributing: Melina Khan, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Friend says Sarah Milgrim was 'a light' who fought antisemitism
Tatler Asia
28-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Tatler Asia
Discover how Johor architect Razin Mahmood is redefining Malaysian architecture with tropical modernism
Above The contemporary facade of Denai House uses modern materials and techniques while respecting the cultural context of Johor's residential architecture. Above The timber screening system at Denai House exemplifies Razin's passive cooling strategies, providing solar protection while maintaining natural airflow—a contemporary interpretation of traditional tropical design principles. Who and what inspires your architectural approach? In my early years, I was deeply inspired by Richard Meier. His disciplined use of a monochromatic palette, simple geometries, and precise detailing appealed to my sense of order and clarity. But as I matured in my practice, I realised that architecture isn't just about aesthetics—it has to respond to its environment. Meier's glass-heavy approach, for instance, wasn't always suitable for the tropical climate. That's when I started looking closer to home. I became drawn to architects who embrace local materials, local craftsmanship, and cultural identity in their designs—Geoffrey Bawa, Kerry Hill, RT+Q, and SCDA, to name a few. Their work resonated with me because it wasn't just about form; it was about creating spaces that belong to their place. I began focusing on designing with the climate in mind, using passive design principles, and working with the natural elements instead of against them. Don't miss: Luxury car brands transforming skylines: How Porsche, Bentley and Bugatti are redefining ultra-luxury living Photo 1 of 2 The open-plan living space at Denai House embodies Razin Mahmood's approach to tropical modernism, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor areas while incorporating natural ventilation and cultural considerations Photo 2 of 2 True to Razin's philosophy of biophilic design, Denai House incorporates living trees within the building structure, creating natural cooling and ventilation while bringing nature into the heart of the home. Your practice emphasises local architectural identity and sustainability—how do these principles manifest in your recent projects, particularly in the context of Johor's rapid development? There was a turning point in my practice when I realised that architecture should always be truthful to its time and place. In the early years, clients often came in with design magazines, bookmarking pages of European or American-style homes, asking us to replicate those aesthetics in Malaysia. At first, we obliged, but over time, something shifted as we built and published more projects rooted in tropical design principles. Clients began seeking us specifically for homes that embraced open-plan living, natural ventilation, and passive cooling techniques. Expatriates, in particular, were drawn to the idea of experiencing the tropical climate fully—something they couldn't do in their colder home countries. When you design for the local climate, sustainability follows naturally. Orienting a house properly, designing for shade, and maximising cross-ventilation aren't just eco-friendly strategies—they make the home more comfortable and livable. Now, we're seeing a resurgence of traditional tropical design elements, even in housing developments. Take airwells, for example—once a common feature in traditional shophouses, they are now being reintroduced as 'courtyards' in modern terrace house designs. It's encouraging to see both individual homeowners and developers recognising the value of these timeless design solutions. Read more: Bill Bensley: Eco-luxury hotels' design rebel Above Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman in Johor is a modernist masterpiece Malaysian architecture often balances tradition with modernity—how do you interpret this in your projects? I see tradition and modernity not as opposing forces, but as two sides of the same coin. Architecture should respect the past while embracing the present, and in my work, I try to weave both together seamlessly. For instance, I incorporate traditional elements like natural ventilation and deep overhangs but reinterpret them using modern techniques and materials to suit contemporary lifestyles. Culture plays a huge role in how we experience spaces. Take something as simple as the way Malaysians remove their shoes before entering a home. This small ritual can easily become an afterthought in modern housing design, leading to messy piles of shoes at the doorstep. In one of our projects at Senibung Cove, we addressed this by designing an entryway at the same level as the car porch. This allowed for a more seamless transition—residents could step inside with their shoes on, sit down on a bench, remove them comfortably, and store them neatly in a designated cabinet. It's a small detail, but one that makes a meaningful difference in daily life. Similarly, cultural traditions around food influence kitchen design. In Malaysian households, cooking is often a multi-generational affair, with strong, aromatic spices and wok-frying being part of the process. This impacts everything from ventilation requirements to the layout of the kitchen itself. These are the nuances that I love to explore—because at the end of the day, it's the little things that shape how we experience space. See also: Not A Hotel Toji reimagines luxury mountain living in Minakami, Japan Above The intricate brickwork and geometric screening of Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman demonstrate how traditional Islamic symbolism can be expressed through modern construction techniques What unique characteristics of Johor's landscape and climate inform your designs? Johor's tropical climate, with its high humidity, heavy rainfall, and intense sun, is something I constantly factor into my designs. You can't fight the climate—you have to work with it. That's why I always prioritise passive cooling techniques, deep overhangs, and natural cross-ventilation to mitigate heat buildup. Landscaping plays a crucial role, too. Whether it's a home, an office, or a public space, I always try to integrate greenery in a meaningful way. Large trees provide much-needed shade, especially on the west-facing facades, helping to reduce heat gain. But it's not just about placing trees around the building—sometimes, the best place for them is inside. I love incorporating courtyards with trees growing within the building itself. It's biophilic design at its core, where nature isn't just an external element but an integral part of the space. A tree in an interior courtyard doesn't just provide shade—it actively cools the air, improves ventilation, and enhances well-being. There's something deeply calming about sitting near a living, breathing tree in the heart of a building. Don't miss: Biophilic luxury: 7 stunning nature-integrated resorts Above The interior of Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman is a contemporary reinterpretation of Islamic architectural elements, while incorporating passive cooling strategies to reduce reliance on air conditioning. How has your international experience influenced your local practice? Working in Texas for a year in the late '80s was an eye-opener. The firm I worked for specialised in religious buildings, and I saw firsthand how they were commissioned for projects all across the country. More than just architecture, I learned about the business side of running a practice—how to build a solid reputation, the importance of marketing, and how consistency in quality earns trust. Travel, too, has been an invaluable part of my education. For me, traveling isn't just about sightseeing—it's research. Every new place offers lessons, whether in urban planning, materials, construction methods, or how people interact with their built environment. I've been inspired by Japan's meticulous attention to detail, Europe's respect for heritage, and the innovative sustainability solutions I've seen in places like Scandinavia. But at the end of the day, I always return to one fundamental truth: architecture has to be rooted in its own place. No matter how many global best practices I absorb, my work has to remain true to Malaysia's culture, climate, and people. Read more: How The Campus Ampang is revolutionising Malaysia's retail landscape through adaptive reuse Above A multipavilion house in Ledang Heights with expansive outdoor areas which seamlessly connect to the indoor areas Could you walk us through your most challenging project and how it shaped your approach? Masjid Daing Abdul Rahman was one of the most challenging projects I've ever worked on, and also one of the most rewarding. Designing a mosque is more than just creating a place of worship—it's about embodying faith, culture, and community in a single space. There was a delicate balance to strike: respecting Islamic architectural traditions while ensuring the design felt progressive, inviting, and environmentally responsible. One of the biggest challenges was reinterpreting traditional mosque elements in a way that felt contemporary yet meaningful. The client wanted a space that carried the essence of Islamic symbolism without feeling overly ornamental. At the same time, I was determined to integrate passive cooling strategies to reduce reliance on air conditioning. This project reinforced a few key lessons for me: the importance of clear communication, the value of collaboration, and the necessity of creative problem-solving. It also reaffirmed my belief that the best designs don't just meet functional needs—they carry deeper meaning and leave a lasting impact on the people who use them. See also: Embracing warm minimalism: Beyond austerity in interior design Above Jacaranda is a modernist villa with generous overhangings and natural materials embedded into the design How do you collaborate with clients to meet their lifestyle needs while maintaining architectural integrity? It all starts with listening. Every client comes with a unique set of needs, aspirations, and daily habits, and my job is to translate that into a well-designed space. The first stage of any project is almost like an interrogation—I ask a lot of questions, trying to uncover not just what they want, but why they want it. Then comes empathy—understanding the way they live, work, and interact with their space. Once I have that deep understanding, I start looking for creative solutions. Sometimes, clients have strong ideas that might not be the best for the long-term, so part of my role is to guide them towards designs that are not only beautiful but also functional, sustainable, and timeless. It's a conversation—a back-and-forth process of refining and improving. At the end of the day, the best projects come from true collaboration, where both the client and architect bring something valuable to the table. Don't miss: Y2K aesthetic revival: Decoding the millennium design trend making a comeback Above The resort-style Baan Tara features generous overhangs and water features Which sustainable design innovations are you most excited to implement in upcoming projects? I'm really excited about pushing the boundaries of low-tech, passive design strategies. High-tech sustainability solutions have their place, but sometimes, the simplest approaches are the most effective. I'm currently working on projects where we're using advanced natural cooling techniques, such as carefully placed air vents, shaded courtyards, and thermal massing to reduce heat absorption. I'm also keen on integrating rainwater harvesting and edible landscaping into more urban projects. Imagine a city where homes and offices don't just consume resources but also give back—where buildings collect rainwater, where green roofs reduce heat, and where urban gardens provide fresh produce. I'm actually implementing some of these ideas in institutional buildings right now, with plans to obtain official green ratings for them. Sustainability shouldn't just be an add-on—it should be embedded in the DNA of every design. Read more: 9 greenest skyscrapers in Asia Above Double-height spaces are impressive while delivering practical benefits of enhanced light, air circulation, and spatial flows How do you envision the future of architecture in Malaysia's rapidly developing urban landscape? I see a future where architecture serves as a bridge between modernity and heritage. Malaysia is growing fast, and while progress is exciting, we need to ensure that development remains thoughtful and people-centric. The danger is in chasing trends without considering long-term impact. Technology will play a huge role in shaping our cities—smart buildings, energy-efficient materials, and AI-driven design processes will change how we work. But at the same time, we have a responsibility to protect our cultural and environmental heritage. I believe the cities of the future should be more than just high-rises and glass towers—they should have identity, character, and a strong connection to nature. The best architecture is not just about creating buildings; it's about shaping how people experience their environment. If we get it right, Malaysia's urban future can be one that is innovative yet deeply rooted in its traditions, a place where modern design and cultural heritage coexist in harmony. NOW READ Home tour: A Malaysian home that masters traditional-modern fusion 7 iconic cantilever chairs that shaped modern furniture Luxury car brands transforming skylines: How Porsche, Bentley and Bugatti are redefining ultra-luxury living Credits
Sky News AU
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
‘It's unbearable': Close friend of diplomats murdered in antisemitic Washington DC shooting makes emotional tribute, says attack should serve as a ‘wake-up call'
A close personal friend of the two Jewish diplomats tragically killed in the horrific Washington DC shooting outside the Capital Jewish Museum has emotionally recalled her colleagues and denounced the sharp rise of antisemitism throughout the globe. Two young employees of the Israeli Embassy in Washington DC, Sarah Milgrim, 30 and Yaron Lischinsky, 26 were shot and killed on May 21 outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum. The suspect, Elias Rodriguez was arrested a short time after the incident and charged with first-degree murder and other crimes on April 22, with US authorities investigating the attack as a hate crime. The suspect shouted 'I did it for Palestine. I did it for Gaza' after being detained by law enforcement, with the FBI stating it was investigating pro-Palestinian social media posts made by the perpetrator. Ayelet Razin, a close personal friend of the two victims and the former director of international justice at Israel's Ministry of Justice said the young couple were 'murdered brutally only because they were Jewish' and recalled the 'beautiful' nature of her colleagues. 'I actually met Sarah during my research and advocacy on the gender-based violence on October 7th, that's how I met her, she was my counterpart in the Israeli embassy in Washington' Ms Razin said, speaking to Sky News host Sharri Markson. Ms Razin, still evidently shaken by the appalling incident said the attack was a 'tragedy' and that Sarah was a 'beautiful soul, a peace lover and a peace activist'. 'She was murdered brutally only because she was Jewish, because she was Israeli'. She said the killing should be 'taken as a wake-up call not only in the US, but all over the world' and stated the 'next murder is not a question of if, but a question of when'. Ms Milgrim was an American from Prairie Village, Kansas and Mr Lischinsky was born in Israel and moved with his family to Germany, yet later returned to Israel when he was 16. According to the Israeli ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter, the couple met about a year and a half ago after Ms Milgrim joined the embassy, and that Mr Lischinsky was about to ask her to marry him. 'The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem,' he told journalists. Ms Razin said the rise in antisemitic related incidents globally after October 7, 2023 was 'unbearable' and 'unbelievable'. 'It's kind of like 'you brought it on yourself because you're Jewish, because you are Israeli', as if Sarah or Yaron, may they rest in peace, had anything to do with Israel's policy and the war in Gaza,' Ms Razin lamented. 'It really doesn't matter if you are pro-Palestinian or pro-Israeli, whatever you think of the conflict, you cannot murder innocent people. She also said she was unaware of another ethnic group apart from Jews who had experienced such overt levels of prejudice and racial vilification. 'Show me, show me where else is there an ethnical group, a religious group, any group that has to hide its religious symbols, that cannot speak its native language out in public'. However, Ms Razin reiterated that those committing violence against Jewish people were a minority, and that people of all faiths and backgrounds needed to unite to deplore such actions. 'The threat of radicals, extremists, Islamic, they are a minority, a tiny minority, but they are setting the standard'. 'It's not only to Israelis or Jews, everywhere in the world, every week or so, you see some kind of terror attack towards a general crowd and if the world doesn't understand that this is a threat and we need to stand together and fight it it's just either stupidity or blindness'.
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Shooting victim Sarah Milgrim remembered as 'a light' who fought antisemitism
Shooting victim Sarah Milgrim remembered as 'a light' who fought antisemitism One of two Israeli embassy workers shot as they left an event, Sarah Milgrim worked for peace and against hate and antisemitism. Show Caption Hide Caption Two Israeli embassy employees killed at Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. The suspected shooter shouted "free Palestine!" upon his arrest at the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Ayelet Razin says the sudden and tragic death of Sarah Milgrim has left her not only mourning her dear friend but also increasingly alarmed and angry about antisemitism. Authorities say Milgrim and her boyfriend, Yaron Lischinsky, were shot at about 9 p.m. as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum. The alleged shooter, identified as Elias Rodriguez, a 30-year-old from Chicago, yelled "Free Palestine! Free Palestine!" as he was taken into custody, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said at a news conference. Investigators believe Rodriguez acted alone. "It's not my regular response to something like this, to do media interviews," Razin said. "But if this isn't a wake-up call, I don't know what is." Milgrim helped coordinate meetings and discussions with Razin, an expert in international law and human rights, who previously served in Israel's Ministry of Justice, as she worked on Capitol Hill and in Washington to influence U.S. policies on terrorism, accountability and gender-based violence. Milgrim had worked at the Israeli embassy since November 2023, according to her LinkedIn profile. The work – hearing and seeing testimony from victims of antisemitic and gender-based violence – can be traumatizing to even experienced experts, said Razin. But Milgrim "felt this is her role in all of this catastrophe that landed on us" in the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. Sarah Milgrim: 'A light and an enlightened person' Speaking to USA TODAY via Zoom from Israel, Razin called Milgrim "a light and an enlightened person," someone whose presence could instantly lift the people around her. "That was her most powerful armor: her wit, her intelligence and her maturity," Razin said. Milgrim, who held a master's degree in international affairs from American University, a master's in natural resources and sustainable development from The University for Peace and a bachelor's degree in environmental studies from the University of Kansas, told Razin she'd joined the embassy staff in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack "after feeling a rise in antisemitism around her, something she hadn't sensed before, or at least not as strongly." "The same antisemitism she decided to struggle against full-force brought her tragic end of life," Razin said. Razin said she did not know Lischinsky, but was grateful to hear that her friend was "very happy and in love." Smiling as she mourns Asked how she wanted Sarah Milgrim to be remembered, Razin smiled. "She entered a room and there was a glow, a shine, and that was her strongest force," she said. "People listened to her. She's calm, she was polite, and she used those tools to set the story right, to bring facts ... She joined this team in the embassy to use her skills, her talent, not in acts of violence but in diplomacy." As for returning to Washington, D.C. now that her friend is gone, Razin said she would, but it would not feel the same ever again. "We would meet in a coffee house across from the White House," Razin said. "I can't even imagine going back without her there, but if asked to, I will because it's continuing her mission." Razin warned that more acts of violence against Jewish people and Israelis will occur if those who spread hate, antisemitism and violent rhetoric are not held fully accountable. She called the current rise in antisemitism, both in the U.S. and abroad, "a dangerous movement." "This is not a sporadic act of violence," she said, pointing to the rising number of attacks on Jewish and Israeli people worldwide. "The strong antisemitic wave is being legitimized and normalized in the name of free speech. Not enough is being done. This is not the last murder. I am sure it will inspire others to do the same." Contributing: Melina Khan, USA TODAY
