Associated Press

Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro were amongst the dignitaries marking the groundbreaking Sunday of a new structure replacing the Tree of Life synagogue, where 11 worshippers were murdered in 2018 in the most dangerous act of antisemitism in U.S. history.

Plans for the new complex include a cultural center, sanctuary, educational center and museum along with a memorial to the adorers from 3 churchgoers who were killed on the Sabbath morning of Oct. 27, 2018. The brand-new design is by renowned designer Daniel Libeskind, whose previous works consist of Jewish museums, Holocaust memorials and the master plan for the redevelopment of the World Trade Center after 9/11.

Emhoff, the first Jewish spouse of an American president or vice president, said his function on Sunday was to "send a message to the Jewish neighborhood of Pittsburgh, to the country, and to the world, that we must always remember what the poison of antisemitism can do."

" We are turning what was once a tragic criminal activity scene into a place of hope and motivation-- a place that is full of light," stated Emhoff, who has met formerly with Tree of Life member of the family and survivors of the attack.

Survivors were among the speakers at the groundbreaking, consisting of Tree of Life's rabbi, Jeffrey Meyers.

" Today we reveal, loudly and plainly, to the whole world that evil did not win-- that it did not chase us from our home, and it never ever, ever will," Myers said.

Much of the original synagogue complex, which had actually been unused since the shootings, was destroyed earlier this year. The restoration is being overseen by a new non-profit company, named Tree of Life. The structure will include worship space for the historic congregation of the same name along with area for other activities.

The attack claimed the lives of 11 worshippers from Dor Hadash, New Light and Tree of Life congregations, which shared space in the synagogue in Squirrel Hill, the heart of Pittsburgh's Jewish neighborhood. Two worshippers and five responding policemans were likewise hurt in the attack.

The assailant was sentenced to death in 2023 after being convicted on 63 counts, including hate criminal activities leading to death.

" The end of our story is not victimhood, it's about how we as Jewish people define ourselves and, out of the worst moments, our capability to be resilient, to get up and to rebuild," stated Carole Zawatsky, president of the Tree of Life non-profit organization overseeing the project in tandem with the parish of the same name.

Organizers aim to have the job finished by the end of 2026, she said in an interview,

She said the task intends to honor the memories of the 11 who were eliminated and to fight the hatred behind such attacks.

" What we're truly doing is taking a look at the root of all identity-based hate," she said. "In a society where antisemitism is permitted to thrive, all kinds of hate are enabled to flourish. It is an American issue."

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