Demolition of Tree of Life synagogue begins ahead of rebuilding memorial site

Workers begin demolition January 17, 2024, at the Tree of Life building in Pittsburgh, the site of the deadliest antisemitic attack in US history. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Workers begin demolition January 17, 2024, at the Tree of Life building in Pittsburgh, the site of the deadliest antisemitic attack in US history. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Demolition got underway yesterday at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, the site of the deadliest antisemitic attack in US history, as part of the effort to reimagine the building to honor the 11 people who were killed there in 2018.

The demolition work began slowly, with crews picking away at the building’s exterior.

Most of the building will be removed, although portions of the sanctuary walls will be preserved. The new building will include spaces for worship, a museum, an education center and a movie theater.

The Oct. 27, 2018, attack claimed the lives of 11 worshippers from three congregations meeting at the synagogue – Dor Hadash, New Light and Tree of Life. The three have been meeting at nearby synagogues since then.

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