October 25, 2019
CONTACT:
Julie Livingston
(646) 519-9222
October 25th, 2019, New York, NY…Almost one year ago, on a quiet Saturday morning, Pittsburgh’s Jewish community suffered the most brutal anti-Semitic attack in U.S. history when a gunman opened fire in the Tree of Life building, taking the lives of 11 innocent people across three Pittsburgh congregations: Dor Hadash, New Light, and Tree of Life * Or L’Simcha, which all were joined in prayer. One year later, we will take a moment to honor the memory of those we lost and other people who were affected. In solidarity, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism will join The Jewish Federations of North America and a host of other Jewish organizations across the country in taking a moment to Pause with Pittsburgh.
“USCJ strives to strengthen kehillot—Jewish communities inside and outside the walls of a synagogue. As painful as the events of last year were for the Jewish community, we know that the strength of our international kehilla will help in overcoming this tragedy. We are proud to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community of Pittsburgh as they mourn, remember, and move forward,” said Leslie Lichter, Interim CEO, USCJ.
A Virtual Remembrance: October 27th, 5:00pm EST
On October 27 at 5:00 pm EST, one year to the day since the attack, the Pittsburgh community will join in a public memorial service for a moment of remembrance, which will allow others to stop—wherever they are—and join together. Those who wish to participate can sign up to receive a text message at 5 pm EST that will contain a video reading of a mourning prayer and the names of the 11 lives lost. Following the prayer, there will be a livestream of Pittsburgh’s public memorial service and the opportunity to submit messages of support and solidarity by text.
“Nothing can erase what happened one year ago—but we can choose to stand even stronger and strive even further to demonstrate our resilience and strength as a People,” said Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO of The Jewish Federations of North America. “Through the darkness of this tragedy we have seen a wave of solidarity, and we are gratified that it has sparked a movement of renewed unity.”
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About USCJ
Founded in 1913, USCJ is the network of nearly 600 Conservative Jewish communities across North America. We represent the values and beliefs of an authentic and dynamic Judaism in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Israel. Our work strengthens kehillot (Jewish communities inside and outside the walls of a synagogue) by providing visionary leadership training, creating opportunities for Jews of all ages to learn and grow, sharing essential resources, and seeding innovative ideas. Learn more at www.uscj.org.
About The Jewish Federations of North America
The Jewish Federations of North America represents 146 Jewish Federations and 300 members of the Network communities–collectively among the top 10 charities on the continent. Together with our partners, we protect and enhance the well-being of Jews worldwide through the values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), tzedakah (charity and social justice) and Torah (Jewish learning). For more information, visit: https://www.jewishfederations.org/
