Volunteers gather to help beautify Jewish cemeteries ahead of Tree of Life shooting anniversary
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Thursday will mark four years since 11 lives were lost in the Tree of Life synagogue mass shooting.
Today, people volunteered their time to clean up a cemetery and gardens in our area to remember the victims.
Volunteers cleaned up Beth Abraham Cemetery in memory of 84-year-old Bernice and 86-year-old Sylvan Simon, who were killed when a gunman opened fire in the Tree of Life synagogue on Oct. 27, 2018. Their son, Marc, helped plan the clean-up effort.
Repair the World Pittsburgh and the 10.27 Healing Partnership organized several volunteer events throughout October, leading up to the fourth commemoration of the Tree of Life synagogue mass shooting. 11 people were killed and several others were injured.
Today, volunteers joined the Jewish Cemetery Burial Association of Greater Pittsburgh to clean monuments, trim ivy, and rake leaves at Beth Abraham Cemetery in Brentwood.
Back in 2018, we spoke with people who knew the Simons.
The Wilkinsburg couple died in the same building where they were married 62 years prior.
"They had the sweetest smile, they had lit up the room. They loved their family and their children. They loved Tree of Life. They loved their religion. They just loved human kindness," Galina Shimenko said.
JCB's Executive Director, Barry Rudel, said it was heartwarming to see people dedicate their time to beautifying Jewish cemeteries.
"The Simons are so committed to the memory of all of the victims and it's a privilege to be a part of their effort. Marc Simon is dedicated to Washington Cemetery and that's one of the reasons that he extended their day of service for her at Beth Abraham," said Rudel.
"More than anything it adds further dignity where the JCB feels most appropriate and here at Beth Abraham there is always need and we always welcome volunteers out here," Rudel said. "We are out here as part of a day of service for the commemoration of the Tree of Life tragedy and we're adding further dignity through beautification and fall cleanup."
There were several other commemorative days of service events, including garden maintenance at Sheridan Avenue Orchard and garden bed construction at Grounded Tranquility Garden.
There will be another gardening service event at Sheridan Avenue Orchard on Tuesday night. A commemorative ceremony will be held on Thursday night in Schenley Park.