Statements and Updates
Update on Pittsburgh Solidarity Fund
April 17th, 2019

On October 27, 2018, the deadliest anti-Semitic attack in North American history took place at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. Less than 24 hours later, UJA-Federation of New York set up a Pittsburgh Solidarity Fund to support a fund launched by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. Thanks to the generosity of the New York Jewish community, we contributed $245,000 to the Pittsburgh fund, which raised a total of $6.3 million from individuals and institutions worldwide.

In March, the Pittsburgh Federation announced the distribution of funds. Compassion payments totaling $5.3 million will be distributed to those most affected by the tragedy. The largest portions of these funds will be given to the families of the 11 deceased and two people who suffered serious physical wounds. Smaller payments will go to those trapped in the building during this horrific scene, fearing for their own lives and, in some cases, watching relatives and friends being killed. Other, smaller payments will be given to additional people outside of the building. Of note, $500,000 was set aside for injured police officers.

The remaining $950,000 will help the three affected congregations; support reconstruction of the Tree of Life Synagogue building; and provide seed funding to launch a community-wide effort for memorializing, commemorating, and educating.

We are proud to join others who came together to support Pittsburgh, helping a devastated community on the path to rebuild and heal.