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The Tree of Life syn­a­gogue in Squir­rel Hill.
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Reimagining the Tree of Life synagogue as a place of education and community deserves support

Alexandra Wimley/Post-Gazette

Reimagining the Tree of Life synagogue as a place of education and community deserves support

Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life / Or L’Simcha Congregation is preparing for a rebirth.

The site of America’s most deadly antisemitic attack is being handed over to history as it is converted into a memorial space for those fallen as well as an education center that will teach about the sin and persistent curse of antisemitism. Parts of the synagogue will be preserved and renovated and parts will be torn down or replaced.

This is fitting. This building is now a part of the nation’s fabric, its soul. It is a site of tragedy, but it will become a site of education and community, of tolerance and love.

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The project is still in the planning stage, but the congregation has announced a capital campaign to raise funds for the rebuild (information at treeoflifepgh.org/​ourfuture). Pittsburghers who are able should show their support.

Mementos hang from the fence surrounding the Tree of Life synagogue, which housed three congregations, New Light, Dor Hadash and Tree of Life, Monday, May 3, 2021, in Squirrel Hill.
Peter Smith
At Tree of Life, a vision for transformation

On Oct. 27, 2018, a gunman with a history of posting online antisemitic rhetoric killed 11 worshippers from among the three congregations that regularly met at the site. Six others were wounded. Those congregations that were displaced have been worshipping at nearby synagogues.

This month, the Tree of Life congregation announced architect Daniel Libeskind will lead the project. Mr. Libeskind’s credentials are impressive and include the World Trade Center project after 9/​11 and the Jewish Museum in Berlin. His work demonstrates an empathy and solemnity that will fit the space and its mission. Additionally, as the son of Holocaust survivors, he has made known his personal stake in this effort. His talent is welcome and warranted.

In addition to providing a space for worship, the re-imagined synagogue will include a partnership with the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, manifesting as an interactive exhibit focusing on the historic lessons of the Holocaust and exploring antisemitism today.

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This is timely. Some reports indicate an upward tick in antisemitic online rhetoric during 2020 as conspiracy theories blossomed in the darker corners of the internet. Also, some surveys reveal a general lack of knowledge in younger people about the Holocaust. This is unacceptable. The lessons of the Holocaust must not fade. Transforming the Tree of Life into a safe space that reminds Americans of those darkest of days is a noble thing.

First Published: May 11, 2021, 4:00 a.m.

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The Tree of Life syn­a­gogue in Squir­rel Hill.  (Alexandra Wimley/Post-Gazette)
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