Two Israeli embassy staff were shot and killed outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, during a diplomats’ reception, with the shooter arrested on-site after shouting “Free Palestine.” This act of anti-Semitic terror highlights the dangers of unchecked rhetoric and the importance of civil discourse, which is essential for a functioning democracy. The current environment is characterized by a crisis of listening, urging a need for more inquiry and connection among individuals to foster understanding and prevent further tragedies.