Tree of Life receives $6.6 million to restore site

Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life/Or L’Simcha Congregation has been awarded a $6.6 million grant to help rebuild the site of the worst antisemitic attack in U.S. history.

Gov. Tom Wolf’s office made the announcement Friday and the money is part of a $54.5 million package to support some 16 community, economic development and revitalization projects across Pennsylvania.

The money comes from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

“We are tremendously thankful to Gov. Wolf, Senator (Jay) Costa and Representative (Dan) Frankel for this significant and generous investment in our effort to establish a new and reimagined space that serves not only our congregation but all of Tree of Life’s neighbors and the broader community,” said Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life congregation.

“Our campaign, and the grant that comes in support of it, provides an opportunity to collectively renew our resolve to fight antisemitism and bigotry of all kinds as we continue our journey of healing.”

On Oct. 27, 2018, a gunman burst into the Tree of Life as three congregations sharing the building – Tree of Life, Dor Hadash and New Light – were holding services. A total of 11 people were shot to death while others were wounded. The accused gunman Robert Bowers, 49, of Baldwin, faces more than 60 federal charges and is awaiting trial.

The Tree of Life Congregation has chosen New York-based architect Daniel Libeskind to lead the effort to rebuild the Squirrel Hill synagogue.

The project will include creating spaces for worship and commemoration, classrooms and a new home for public programs provided by the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh.

“I am pleased to announce these projects will receive the state funding they need to improve or create new community projects and facilities that add to the quality of life for residents in these communities,” Wolf said.