The Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, the site of a horrific mass shooting in 2018 that left 11 worshipers dead, is set to break ground for a memorial and a new building. The new structure, designed by architect Daniel Libeskind, will house a sanctuary for the congregation, an education center dedicated to combating bigotry, and a museum chronicling the long history of antisemitism in America.
The museum will be the first in the United States solely dedicated to the history of antisemitism in America, from colonial times to present-day incidents like the neo-Nazi march in Charlottesville in 2017. The goal of the museum is to provide historical context and spark discussions on the complex issue of antisemitism.
However, recent events, such as the Hamas-led attack on Israel and the subsequent war, have complicated the narrative surrounding antisemitism. Debates over the Israeli government’s actions and their relation to antisemitism have divided communities, including the Tree of Life congregation.
Members of the congregation, like Diane Rosenthal and Alexandra Weiner, have differing views on how the museum should address these current debates. While Rosenthal hopes the museum will provide education and clarity on the issue, Weiner is concerned that pressure to adopt a specific definition of antisemitism may stifle critical discussions.
Despite these challenges, synagogue leadership and academic advisers involved in shaping the museum emphasize that it is meant to be a space for honoring and exploring complex issues, rather than providing definitive answers. The goal is to shed light on the historical roots of antisemitism and encourage open dialogue on difficult questions.
As the congregation prepares to commemorate the tragic events of 2018, they hope that the museum will serve as a reminder of the dangers of forgetting the past and the importance of addressing antisemitism in all its forms.
