The names of the 11 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting victims have been released

October 28, 2018 | by Rodolfo Vieira

A day after the horrifying shooting that the took lives of 11 people at a synagogue, the names of the victims have finally been revealed.

The incident took place shortly before 10 am on Saturday, October 27, 2018, at the Tree of Life Congregation Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

As reported by the USA Today, the victims were mostly elderly people, with ages ranging from 54 to 97 years old.

Tonight Frances and I attended a vigil for the victims of the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh.

Anti-Semitism has absolutely no place in our commonwealth. Together we pray for the victims, their families and friends, and this entire community. #StrongerThanHate pic.twitter.com/w5HiMGmdCh
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) October 28, 2018

Many of them were at the synagogue as a part of a naming ceremony, which marks the beginning of a journey for a baby born within the Jewish faith. But, instead of joy, they were met with death.

Daniel Stein, who was killed, and Daniel Leger, who was wounded, are the first victims of the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh to be identified. We will continue updating this post as more victims are named: https://t.co/h56vtOvIfV pic.twitter.com/y5yLFENXIe
— Tom Cleary (@tomwcleary) October 28, 2018

HOW IT HAPPENED

Robert Bowers, a 46-year-old man, walked through the doors and opened fire over the crowd, killing 11 people and injuring six others, including four police officers.

On Sunday, Karl Williams, Pittsburgh chief medical examiner, released the names of those who perished in the tragedy, and asked people to respect the victim's families, 'their needs, their time and space.'

Joyce and Steve Fienberg were like parents to all of his students. We knew we had a place for dinner or a hug or wine and and talk. Such caring sweet gentle generous souls. 2 sons lost a mom senselessly. But about 60 of Steve’s students lost a mom too. Peace be with you Joyce
— JasonConnorPhD (@JasonConnorPhD) October 28, 2018

THE NAMES OF THE VICTIMS

The victims are brothers Cecil Rosenthal, 56, David Rosenthal, 54, Daniel Stein 71, Richard Gottfried, 65, Rose Mallinger, 97, Joyce Fienberg, 75, Irving Younger, 69, Melvin Wax, 8, husband and wife Sylvan Simon, 86, and Bernice Simon, 84 and Jerry Rabinowitz, 66.

Every single one of those victims was regarded as good people who led simple lives and relied heavily on their faith. Unfortunately, their kindness and joy were stolen by Bowers, who yelled 'All Jews must die,' while firing his weapon.

“We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” — Elie Wiesel

Get out and #VOTE for #Pittsburgh
Get out and VOTE for the victims of this senseless violence.
Be the difference.
Stop the hate. pic.twitter.com/ezce65ZV53
— the real elly-ice™ (@shariatPR) October 27, 2018

POTENTIAL DEATH PENALTY

The 46-year-old currently faces 29 federal charges; according to the Department of Justice, and some of the charges filed against him 'could lead to the death penalty.'

#RobertBowers, the man suspected of shooting 11 people dead at a synagogue in #Pittsburgh, faces more than two dozen federal charges for murder, hate crimes and firearms offences. https://t.co/48IhXzxWWR #PittsburghSynagogue #UnitedStates
— Francisco Taveira (@jftaveira1993) October 28, 2018

The police are still investigating the reason behind the attack but it is strongly believed that Bower's actions were motivated by nothing more than hatred towards the victims' faith.