Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting – How to Help

We grieve and stand in solidarity with the victims and their families, and the Pittsburgh Jewish community 

The shooting on Shabbat at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA was a direct attack on the Jewish community, motivated by hatred. The anti-Semitism and xenophobia that fueled these violent acts have no place in our society.

The Federation enacts its mission in many ways – through collaboration with agencies like JCRC, convening partners, coordinating volunteer opportunities, providing philanthropic support, and developing resources to strengthen the security of our Jewish organizations. In that spirit, the following are some ways that you can help.

Find solidarity at a local synagogue

• Jewish Resource Guide listing of Religious Life & Congregations
• Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 
• Aleph Alliance for Jewish Renewal
• United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
• Orthodox Union
• Chabad-Lubavitch

Find solidarity outside a synagogue

• Join a Moishe House program
• Host or join a Shabbat dinner with OneTable
• Find a Hillel on your campus
• See resources from the Jewish Emergent Network

Show Your Solidarity Online

We're partnering with ADL to stand with the Jewish community of Pittsburgh and beyond and to proclaim #NeverIsNow. Add your name and join us.

Support Those Affected by the Shooting

The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh has created the Fund for Victims of Terror for psychological services, support for families, reconstruction, additional security throughout the community, medical bills for all those involved, as well as counseling and other services that may prove necessary in the future.

The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation is collecting monetary donations to support the victims, families, and first responders of the tragic shooting. Donations will support the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and will establish a fund with the City of Pittsburgh Dept. of Public Safety to benefit the Police officers injured in the events on October 27.

Support Organizations Combating Hate and Violence

Below are some organizations that our donor advised fund holders and supporting foundations have supported through their personal giving.

• ACLU, which works to defend and preserve the civil rights and liberties, including religious freedom and racial justice
• ADL, the world leader in fighting anti-Semitism
• HIAS, committed to protecting our community and others form hatred and violence, providing assistance to refugees from around the world who immigrate to the United States
• Southern Poverty Law Center, monitoring hate groups and other extremists throughout the United States and expose their activities to the public, the media, and law enforcement.

To make a grant from your Federation donor advised fund, log in to Federation's DAF portal and click on ‘recommend a grant’ to enter the name of the grantee(s) you would like to support.

Receive Help for Trauma, Fear, Anxiety, or Other Difficulties 

• Bay Area Jewish Healing Center offers Jewish spiritual care to those who are ill, dying, and bereaved.
• Jewish Family and Children's Services offers a wide array of counseling and mental health services to our community.
• Sinai Memorial Chapel – Chevra Kadisha has made their grief counselor support team available to anyone in the community seeking support over these losses.

Access Resources to Help Have Conversations with Children and Teens

• ADL and Repair the World: Resources for Shabbat Conversations
• How to Talk to Children About Tragedy
• How to Talk to Children About Anti-Semitism
• How to Talk to Your Kids About Scary Situations 
• Helping Teens in the Wake of Pittsburgh
• Helping Children to Process Acts of Terrorism
• November 1 Webinar for Jewish Educators: Helping Jewish Educators and Children Feel Secure
• URJ offers a curated list of resources for Jewish educators

On November 2-3, a national Solidarity Shabbat took place across North America which included the following congregations: