Volunteer, educational opportunities to mark five years since Pittsburgh synagogue massacre

It’s been nearly five years since the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history occurred at a Squirrel Hill synagogue.

Next week, there will be a number of volunteer and educational opportunities available to mark the day and honor the 11 worshippers among three congregations who were killed on Oct. 27, 2018.

As in previous years, a commemoration ceremony will take place on Oct. 27. This year’s ceremony will occur at 3 p.m. Friday on Prospect Drive in Schenley Park and feature remembrances of the victims, activities for all ages, prayers and musical performances.    

But the activities begin Sunday with a variety of community service opportunities organized by the 10/27 Healing Partnership and other community groups. 

Volunteers will be able to sort and pack supplies that will be sent to under-resourced communities, learn to use their voices to help move forward gun legislation, create art and cards that can be sent to neighbors and local businesses, register to vote and more. 

On Thursday, Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence will host an event where individuals can tell personal stories about how gun violence has impacted them. Video or audio recordings of the testimonials will be sent to legislators after the event. 

And on Sunday, Oct. 29, there will be blood drives at the Squirrel Hill and South Hill Jewish community centers, a cemetery cleanup, volunteer baking, book packing with the Pittsburgh Prison Book Project and other opportunities. 

A full list of community service events with times and locations can be found here. 

In addition to the commemoration ceremony on Friday, there will be six virtual Torah study and educational opportunities. 

“As we reflect on five years since the hateful attack on our friends, neighbors and loved ones, we’re also looking back on how much the city has grown and evolved and the ways in which resilience has brought us together and made us stronger,” said Maggie Feinstein, director of the 10/27 Healing Partnership. “We are not alone; our community and the greater Pittsburgh community stand with us to emphasize that long-term healing is only possible if we do it together.”