In a remarkable attempt to honor the victims and preserve the history of a tragic event, the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, known as the site of one of the deadliest antisemitic attacks in America, has embarked on an extensive project to document and preserve damaged artifacts.

It has been five years since the mass killing that claimed the lives of 11 people on October 27, 2018, but the memory still lingers. A team of dedicated archivists gathered at the synagogue, carefully packaging and transporting 31 items that had been impacted by the attack, ranging from the sacred to the mundane.

Among the treasured items were Torah scrolls stored in a large wooden ark, which bore bullet holes in one of its doors and its marble base. The synagogue's central lectern, known as the shulchan, was also preserved, marked by a pink rod inserted by investigators to determine the trajectory of bullets.

Framed historical synagogue photographs, bloodstained carpets, children's books, and artwork were among the other artifacts carefully collected and transported to storage at the Rauh Jewish History Program & Archives, located a few miles away at Pittsburgh's Heinz History Center.

Synagogue leaders have expressed their hope that these artifacts, once the building undergoes a transformative renovation into a museum, educational center, and memorial to combat antisemitism, will be returned for public exhibition. Their aim is to evoke a visceral reaction from those who witness the remnants of the tragic shooting, promoting a deeper understanding of the assault on Tree of Life.

The broader context of this preservation effort speaks to the growing threat of mass shootings in the United States. Across the country, communities affected by such incidents have made efforts to collect and preserve materials from their own attacks. However, the scope of the undertaking at Tree of Life represents the most extensive documentation of its kind.

Nevertheless, debates over appropriate timing and ownership of such materials have emerged in the aftermath of mass killings. Communities like Newtown, Orlando, and Charleston, among others, have faced challenges in determining how to commemorate the tragic events without causing further pain to survivors and victims' families.

Pittsburgh's synagogue leaders have sought guidance from experts in the field to navigate these complexities. Tamara Kennelly, known for her work following the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting, and Pamela Schwartz, executive director of the Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando, have lent their advice on prioritizing emotionally moving items and maintaining transparent communication with the public.

By documenting the physical scars and preserving these artifacts, the Tree of Life synagogue hopes to contribute to a broader "memory boom" where societies confront past injustices. The goal is to educate and prevent future violence while coming to terms with the tragic events that have shaped history.

As the synagogue prepares to commemorate the victims on the anniversary of the shooting, the rising tide of antisemitic attacks in America and abroad underscores the importance of their mission. With antisemitic hate crimes in the United States rising by 26 percent in 2022, synagogue leaders emphasize that their efforts to combat antisemitism and preserve history have become more crucial than ever.

By taking on the responsibility of preserving the physical remnants of the nation's deadliest antisemitic attack, the Tree of Life synagogue hopes to serve as a beacon of remembrance and education. Their dedication to healing and prevention shines through as they navigate the challenges of documenting a devastating event with sensitivity and purpose.