US Jews Feel More Isolated on Tree of Life Anniversary, Synagogue Preservation Continues in Memory of Victims

Growing antisemitism and strained relations over Israeli-Palestinian conflict exacerbate feelings of isolation among American Jews, as they remember the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting with preservation of Tree of Life synagogue relics.

On the fifth anniversary of the deadliest act of antisemitic violence in U.S. history at the Tree of Life synagogue, US Jews report feeling more isolated due to a rise in antisemitism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The synagogue's relics are being preserved in memory of the 11 worshippers killed during the attack.
After the 2018 attack, the local community rallied around the Jewish community, with Muslim groups raising almost $200,000 and offering to guard the synagogue, and Christian congregations offering support. However, members reported a shift in relations following recent conflicts in the Middle East.
Since the start of October, the number of antisemitic incidents in the US has spiked 388%, with over half being linked to the war in Gaza. Similarly, the Council on American-Islamic Relations has reported a spike in anti-Muslim incidents.
Religious tensions also remain high on college campuses, where students hold competing protests in support of either Israel or Hamas. Nearly 60% of Jewish college students reported witnessing or experiencing antisemitism this year.
Relics from the Tree of Life synagogue, including artifacts damaged during the 2018 attack, are being preserved and transported to the Heinz History Center for storage. These relics are intended to form part of a public exhibition at the renovated synagogue, which will serve as an educational center dedicated to combating antisemitism.

The Christian Science Monitor