People throughout the entire country were shocked and emotionally assaulted on Oct. 27, 2018 when a gunman went
through the Tree of Life Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh, Pa. spreading death and injury. As the congregants gathered for the Saturday services that day, 11 people were killed and seven more were injured.
Immediately, Pittsburghers of all faiths united in many ways to show their support, concern and compassion for the people of the Jewish Community and the unbearable pain which was theirs to endure.
Along with the prayer events, commemorations, vigils and concerts that were held, many churches and religious organizations offered gifts of money to those affected by what is officially deemed a crime of hate.
Archbishop William Skurla requested that a collection be taken in the churches of the Archeparchy. As in the past,
when such a plea was made to the Byzantine Catholic parishioners in times of other disasters, they most generously arose to the occasion. The faithful from 45 of our parishes gave a total of $15,654 for the people and programs of the Tree of Life Synagogue and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh.
Accompanying this gift go the prayers for everyone touched by this tragic event and for every community and house of worship to be ever preserved from a hateful attack such as this.
