PITTSBURGH — The Tree of Life has received a $2.5 million grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation as the Pittsburgh-based institution transforms 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.

“The Richard King Mellon Foundation’s grant comes at a critical juncture for The Tree of Life and the broader Jewish community,” said Carole Zawatsky, CEO of The Tree of Life. “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 new gift brings the Foundation’s total investment in The Tree of Life to date to $3.5 million. It follows the successful launch of the traveling exhibition, “Lessons from The Tree of Life: Lighting the Path Forward,” at its second stop at the Maltz Museum in Cleveland.

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

As a long-time partner of The Tree of Life, The Richard King Mellon Foundation has been no stranger to The Tree of Life’s mission over the years, as it supports bold programs in southwestern Pennsylvania. The continued partnership is built on shared values of social impact and community.

“Our community is incredibly thankful for the continued support of the Richard King Mellon Foundation,” said Michael Bernstein, chair of the board at The Tree of Life. “Our bold vision to realize a future where our children live without fear of antisemitism depends on partners like this who support our work.”

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About The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life is on a mission to uproot antisemitism. Housed at the site of the deadliest antisemitic attack on U.S. soil, The Tree of Life is a locally grounded institution with broad national impact through an experiential, interdisciplinary approach to understanding and countering antisemitism and other forms of hate. Learn More: https://www.thetreeoflife.org/

About the Richard King Mellon Foundation: Founded in 1947, the Richard King Mellon Foundation is the largest foundation in Southwestern Pennsylvania, and one of the 50 largest in the world. The Foundation’s 2024 year-end net assets were $3.1 billion, and its Trustees in 2024 disbursed more than $155 million in grants and program-related investments. The Foundation focuses its funding on six primary program areas, delineated in its 2021-2030 Strategic Plan.