Five years later, trauma compounds for survivors marking Tree of Life massacre amid Israel-Hamas war

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Five years after the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history, survivors and hundreds of others gathered for an outdoor commemoration in Pittsburgh. The event, which included prayers, poetry, and music, marked the first time the community came together since the killer was convicted and sentenced to death. The occasion carried additional weight, coming on the heels of the recent Hamas attacks in Israel and the latest mass shooting in Maine. Despite the ongoing crises, it was crucial to carve out space to remember the victims of October 27, 2018, and to find solace amidst the overwhelming and scary events in the world, according to Maggie Feinstein, the director of the 10.27 Healing Partnership.

The outdoor commemoration took place in Pittsburgh’s Schenley Park, just a mile and a half away from the Tree of Life synagogue where 11 worshippers from three congregations lost their lives. This year’s commemoration held special significance as the perpetrator, Robert Bowers, was sentenced to death in August after being convicted on 63 federal counts, including hate crimes resulting in death. Western Pennsylvania U.S. Attorney Eric Olshan, who oversaw the prosecution, spoke at the event, highlighting the victims’ personalities and their unwavering devotion to their faith.

The Tree of Life Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, a survivor himself, delivered prayers in both Hebrew and English, honoring the 11 individuals as martyrs who were killed while sanctifying God’s name. Rabbi Myers acknowledged the completion of the criminal trial as a form of closure but emphasized that the future remains uncertain and unwritten. The victims, members of three congregations meeting at the Tree of Life, were remembered during the ceremony, and their lives were celebrated.

The commemoration featured musical performances using instruments from the “Violins of Hope” project, which utilizes actual instruments played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust. While the event primarily focused on honoring the Pittsburgh attack, it couldn’t ignore the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. After Hamas’ violent rampage in southern Israel, the Israeli military launched airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in a Palestinian death toll exceeding 7,300. As a participant draped in an Israeli flag joined the crowd, emotions ran high when the string ensemble played the Israeli national anthem.

Howard Fienberg, son of victim Joyce Fienberg, expressed gratitude for the justice served in his mother’s case. However, he also voiced concern for the Israeli victims of the recent Hamas attacks, expressing his hope that justice would be served for them as well. The commemoration coincided with the progress of plans for the reconstruction of the Tree of Life synagogue complex, which has remained dormant since the shootings. The reconstruction, led by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, will preserve certain parts of the existing structure while incorporating new spaces for worship, community activities, and programming addressing antisemitism. A skylight running the length of the roof will create a dramatic effect, and the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh will share portions of the space. Additionally, a museum focused on the history and manifestations of antisemitism in America will be established.

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