Actor Tom Hanks and singer Billy Porter have lent their support to an upcoming fundraising campaign to transform the Tree of Life synagogue into a "a site of hope, remembrance and education".
 
A shooting at the congregation in October 2018, which left 11 worshipers dead, was thought to be the worst antisemitic attack in US history. 
 
Two years later, the Pittsburgh community is planning a campaign to fund building renovations and measures to combat hate, including educational programming and community outreach.
 
The “Remember, Rebuild, Renew” campaign will also seek to fund the creation of a new centre dedicated to eliminating hate.
 
“Through this effort and with the support of people of all backgrounds, we will transform a site of hate and tragedy into a site of hope, remembrance and education,” said the congregation’s Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers.
 
Mr Hanks and Mr Porter both agreed to join an honorary 'cabinet' set up for the upcoming campaign, the shul announced this week.
 
Other public figures include Joanne Rogers, widow to the late children’s TV host Fred Rogers, who lived in the city before his death, and Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf, who said he was honoured to join a campaign "that seeks to overpower hate with education, support and, most importantly, love.”
 
Meanwhile, Mr Porter, a Pittsburgh native, said the city’s Jewish community had “been present for me and my family for decades.”
 
“They took care of me in my early years. They took care of my mum in my absence, as I pursued my career. My love for this community is unwavering. I look forward to showing the world what real love looks like,” he said.
 
To make a pledge to the campaign, contact treeoflife@liptonstrategies.com