$2.5 million grant awarded to Tree of Life by the Richard King Mellon Foundation

The Pittsburgh-based Richard King Mellon Foundation has awarded The Tree of Life a $2.5 million grant. The funds will be used to help The Tree of Life transform “the site of the deadliest antisemitic attack in the United States into a national center for education, remembrance, bridge building and the celebration of Jewish life and culture,” according to a news release.

“The Richard King Mellon Foundation’s grant comes at a critical juncture for The Tree of Life and the broader Jewish community,” Carole Zawatsky, CEO of The Tree of Life, said in a prepared statement. “Our mission to uproot antisemitism and hate is of the utmost importance at this moment. We are incredibly grateful for the Foundation’s generosity and continued support, which is symbolic of our core belief that antisemitism is an American problem and all of us – Jewish and not – must work together to counter it.”

The Tree of Life had a groundbreaking ceremony in June 2024. Construction has not yet begun at the site.

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The Mellon Foundation’s total investment in The Tree of Life to date is $3.5 million, according to the news release. The new gift follows the opening of “Lessons from The Tree of Life: Lighting the Path Forward,” at the Maltz Museum in Cleveland. The traveling exhibit includes memorial items left the Tree of Life building or sent to survivors or family members of victims following the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history.

“The Tree of Life continues to lead in their efforts to build relationships across differences through impactful and innovative programs,” Sam Reiman, director and trustee at the Richard King Mellon Foundation, said in a prepared statemen. “At a time of dramatically increased antisemitism and hate, investing in education and fostering connections within local communities is of essential importance.” PJC