Wed 5/21-Sun 8/3
Wed 5/21 @ 2PM and 7PM
At a time when the president is trying to destroy liberal educational institutions he claims, falsely, are a hotbeds of anti-Semitism, it’s worth remembering that the explosion of anti-Semitism in the U.S. in the last decade has come primarily from the far right and his own followers. There’s no better example than the man who killed 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue in 2018 who had been radicalized online by white nationalists and neo-Nazis. It is the deadliest anti-Semitic attack to occur within this country.
For those who want to learn the story, Cleveland’s Maltz Museum is the first stop for a new traveling installation, called Lessons from the Tree of Life: Lighting the Path Forward, which will be on view there through Sunday August 3. The exhibit was created in Pittsburgh at the site of the attack to educate people about anti-Semitism in the U.S. and to fight back against it.
The installation includes artifacts that shed light on the roots of antisemitism, a prayer book with bullet holes, some of the items that were left outside the Pittsburgh synagogue in the months following the attack, a commemorative quilt and other items created by people to remember those who were killed.
“This is an essential story to share with our community, especially as antisemitism and intolerance are on the rise in America,” says Maltz Executive Director Aaron Petersal in the show’s release. “This installation shares the 10/27 attack’s impact, yet focuses on the incredible outpouring of support to the community. It’s an important reminder of the power of compassion and unity in promoting healing and rebuilding in the face of unimaginable tragedy. The Lessons from The Tree of Life is truly a story of resilience, and what humanity can do to support each other and rise above hate.”
On opening day, Scott Miller, the academic advisor and curator of the show, and 30-year staff members of the United States Holocaust Museum, will talk about the exhibit and how it hopes to address anti-Semitism and other forms of hate. He’ll speak twice, at 2pm and 7pm. Get tickets here.