Pittsburgh took another important step towards healing on Sunday, as ground was broken on a new structure at the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill that will house a memorial and museum to combat American antisemitism. Emotions ran high 2,066 days after a gunman broke into the Tree of Life synagogue on Oct. 27, 2018, killing 11 Jews from three congregations that worshiped there.
The shooting remains the largest antisemitic attack in U.S. history.
Tree of Life Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, who survived the attack, said in his blessing in front of more than 500 people in attendance under a large tent that the day was a mixture of sadness and joy, and the commemoration was a sign of rebirth and recovery from the hateful attack. “We announce loudly and clearly to the entire world that evil did not win,” Myers said. “It did not chase us from our home and it never ever will.
” The event started at 11 a.m. and was a culmination that brought together Jewish community members, as well as other religious and civic leaders from across Pittsburgh in an invitation-only event.
Some attendees could be seen wiping away tears as they read displays commemorating the attack and detailing what the new structure will become. Winds whipped as the program began, followed by light rain that cooled temperatures down a bit on the steamy Sunday. Visiting dignitaries included CNN journalist Wolf Blitzer, Gov.
Josh Shapiro, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, and.
