Two years after attack, Tree of Life fundraising campaign features Tom Hanks, Billy Porter

Two years after suffering the worst anti-Semitic attack in the nation’s history, Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Congregation has unveiled an honorary cabinet, featuring actor Tom Hanks and entertainer Billy Porter, to support a fundraising campaign to renovate the building and create educational programs to combat hate.

“Through this effort and with the support of all backgrounds, we will transform a site of hate and tragedy into a site of hope, remembrance and education,” said Tree of Life Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers in a statement.

“I will forever be grateful for the wellspring of love that continues to flow over and through our synagogue from all parts of the world,” Myers said, “including the support of the individuals who have agreed to join the honorary cabinet to take the horror of October 27, and create something beautiful that changes our country and our world.”

On Oct. 27, 2018, gunman Robert Bowers stormed into the synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood and killed 11 people and wounded six before surrendering to police following a gun battle.

Bowers, 48, remains in custody on more than 60 federal charges, some of which carry the death penalty.

Hanks, who played Fred Rogers in the film “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” and Porter, a Pittsburgh native and winner of Emmy, Tony and Grammy awards, will be joined by Joanne Rogers, Fred Roger’s widow, Gov. Tom Wolf, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and several other community and political leaders in the Remember, Rebuild, Renew campaign.

“The Jewish community of Pittsburgh has been present for me and my family for decades,” Porter said in a statement. “They took care of me in my early years. They took care of my mom in my absence, as I pursued my career. My love for this community is unwavering. I look forward to showing the world what real love looks like!”

Wolf said, “This campaign is an important opportunity to collectively resolve to fight hatred and anti-Semitism by supporting Tree of Life and connecting and engaging with the community.”

The governor added that he was “honored to be named to this cabinet and to be a part of a campaign that seeks to overpower hate with education, support and, most importantly, love."

Wolf, who canceled a campaign event in Beaver County the day of shooting to rush to the scene, said the Tree of Life attack “had a profound impact on our commonwealth and the nation, and the process of healing continues, but one thing is clear – hate has no place in Pennsylvania.”