After deadly shooting, Pittsburgh synagogue plans reopening

Leaders of the Pittsburgh synagogue where worshippers were fatally shot last year want to rebuild and renovate the building, turning it into what they hope will be a "center for Jewish life in the United States" and a symbol against hatred.

On Friday, they outlined their vision for the Tree of Life building, where three congregations Tree of Life, Dor Hadash and New Light had gathered on October 27, 2018.

A gunman opened fire, killing 11 people and wounding seven.

The building in the city's Squirrel Hill neighborhood has not reopened since the shooting, considered the deadliest attack on Jews in US history.

Tree of Life leaders now envision a rebuilt space that includes places for worship; memorial, education and social events; classrooms and exhibitions.

The mission is to fight anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination.

"There was never any doubt that we would go back to the site," Tree of Life Executive Director Barb Feige said.

"The congregation is a community. It survives without its building, but is committed to going back to that location."
Investigators say Bowers used an AR-15 rifle and other weapons, and that he criticized a Jewish charity on social media before the massacre, claiming the immigrant aid society "likes to bring invaders that kill our people."
In a statement, Tree of Life said rebuilding plans "reflect resiliency, strength and community collaboration."
"When we reopen, and we most certainly will, I want the entire world to say, 'Wow, look at what they have done.' To do anything less disrespects the memory of our 11 martyrs."
She called the eight men and three women killed "stalwarts of the three congregations."
"Is it sort of the-bad-guys-win-if-we-don't-go-back? There is a little bit of that."
"To rebuild, inspired by those wonderful people and their memories, and by honouring their memories, it sends a positive message to the entire world."