Jewish leaders preparing to commemorate Pittsburgh synagogue attack

As the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue that killed 11 people approaches, Jewish leaders in Pittsburgh are preparing to commemorate the attack.  

Leaders of three congregations whose members were present during the attack are gathering Friday to discuss the year since the attack and plan an observance for the anniversary next month, The Associated Press reported.

Paintings by young people from around the world with supportive messages replaced blue tarps covering the Tree of Life building, the AP reported.

{mosads} The October 2018 shooting at the synagogue was the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history. Seven people were injured in addition to those killed when authorities say gunman Robert Bowers open fired during Shabbat services.

He has pleaded not guilty to the attack. Federal prosecutors announced last month that they will be seeking the death penalty against Bowers.