A Gunman Killed 11 People and Wounded 6 in a Pittsburgh Synagogue

[Matthews1127]

@Matthews1127 , I am sending your hugs. Many of us feel your hurt and pain at the tragic event that took place yesterday, No family should ever have to feel this kind of pain. We all need to help and support each other.

Yesterday was a painful reminder of how life can change in a instant. Before I went to sleep last night I read an article about how courageous the police and emergency, swat team, emergency responder, doctors and nurses were and how they put their lives on line to help all those in the synagogue. All I could think of was what I used to tell my nieces and nephews when they were young and what I will continue to tell their children. When tragedies happen in our country, look for all the helpers. Anerica is full of wonderful helpers. Look at all the people who came out to support and hug each other last night for the vigil held for the victims. We have so many wonderful people in our country who try their best to help people in need and just help our communities. We all need to make efforts to help each other every day. The country needs to love and support each other.

We need to get back to the way our country was after 9/11. This division has to come to an end. This is not who we are as a country.

Our area is a small town, in spite of being a City. It’s very common to know just about everyone in your community, and to encounter others who know members of your circle.
Mr. Rodgers and my grandmother were friends. They grew up right across the street from each other. He was a family friend. That’s how it is, in Pittsburgh & surrounding areas of the City. We take care of each other, have each others’ backs, and come together in time’s of great joy & great sadness.
I have friends from HS who are burying friends. The names of those gunned down were released, and their fears became reality. I have been following posts on social media, and trying to comfort those in mourning, from afar.
My heart is heavy. My soul is sickened. I refuse to live in fear, and I intend to be a soldier for peace.
I appreciate all of the love & support everyone is showering upon our beautiful town. Words cannot express how much it means for the rest of the world to embrace us. Thank you so much.

 

[Calliecake]

Matthews, Please come here if you need support in the coming weeks. Often times the brunt of grief hits people hardest when things quiet down, Please know you aren’t alone. Be so very proud of your neighborhood. They were a wonderful example of what is the best of humanity, in the face of such an awful tragedy yesterday.

Your reference to Mr Rogers made me tear up. During 9/11 and the weeks that followed I found myself saying much of what he said to my young nieces and nephews who were scared and frightened. Mr Roger’s was one in a million.

 

[Matata]

I am familiar with Dr. Rabinowitz. My cousin is a detective with the Pgh police and his safety is always on my mind, especially when crimes of this nature happen in my hometown. Being familiar with people and a place adds another layer to these types of crimes. As we've seen with Pittsburgh and the hundreds of others that have occurred these past 2 years alone, going about your daily business in this country is deadly.

 

[Austina]

I’m so very sorry, just senseless and shocking.

 

[Matthews1127]

Matthews, Please come here if you need support in the coming weeks. Often times the brunt of grief hits people hardest when things quiet down, Please know you aren’t alone. Be so very proud of your neighborhood. They were a wonderful example of what is the best of humanity, in the face of such an awful tragedy yesterday.

Your reference to Mr Rogers made me tear up. During 9/11 and the weeks that followed I found myself saying much of what he said to my young nieces and nephews who were scared and frightened. Mr Roger’s was one in a million.

@Calliecake, thank you. I find PS very therapeutic, even during my every day life. I’ll still be here, checking in & following along different threads. I will need a welcome distraction from everything, in the coming days/weeks.
Rabbi Berkun has flown in from Florida to be here for the community, to mourn, raise spirits, and no doubt, to pay his respects to the families burying loved ones. He lost a personal friend in this tragedy, so I imagine he’ll be here for a while.
I went to visit my mother, today. It was a blessing to see her face light up, when she realized who I was & that she was happy to see me. I cried & embraced her; a gift I know many will no longer be afforded, after yesterday. The Alzheimer’s has taken her, but I know if I told her what happened, it would shatter her, so I let that be. I was just relieved that she remembered me; the last phone call conversation I had with her, she did not know who I was. This visit was enjoyable not only because she recognized me, but because I was able to hold her, sit with her, hold her hand, make her laugh with silly stories, and tell her I love her. Life is just too precious, and unpredictable to take a single moment for granted.
Hold your loved ones close...every single day. Never go to bed angry. Always say I love you, even when you’re angry. Make the best of every day you have with those who mean the most. Cherish the gift of a new day. Tomorrow is never promised.
These are words I intend to live by. I usually do my best to do that, but I am going to be more vigilant in committing to it. 9/11 taught us all that lesson, but all too often, we become complacent.
All of you are in my thoughts & prayers, as well. This isn’t a Pittsburgh problem, but a National and Global problem. Terrorism lives in every city, town, and municipality all over the globe.
The day of atonement is approaching.
#RockTheVoteNov6
#VoteForRealChange

 

[Matthews1127]

Live:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=332606050622650

 

[Madam Bijoux]

Heartbroken and extremely angry about this latest senseless act.
Today I saw a touring production of “Fiddler on the Roof”, which made it all the more poignant.
Did no one ever tell those brainless idiot haters that Jesus Christ was Jewish? Did they forget about the commandment that states “thou shalt not kill”?
What will it take to get the spineless, gutless jellyfish in Congress to enact effective gun control laws, such as limiting gun possession to the police and the military?

 

[Matthews1127]

Heartbroken and extremely angry about this latest senseless act.
Today I saw a touring production of “Fiddler on the Roof”, which made it all the more poignant.
Did no one ever tell those brainless idiot haters that Jesus Christ was Jewish? Did they forget about the commandment that states “thou shalt not kill”?
What will it take to get the spineless, gutless jellyfish in Congress to enact effective gun control laws, such as limiting gun possession to the police and the military?

I think many Christians, and those of other faiths are ignorant to the teachings of the story of Christ. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard DEVOUT Christians state that Jews don’t believe Christ existed, and that Jews crucified him. Fact: Jews believe Christ existed. They do not accept him as the son of God. Fact: Christ was crucified by the ROMANS. Christ was persecuted & brought to trial by the Jews out of fear. But Jews had no direct hand in his execution. They called for his death, but it was the Romans who did the dirty work.
So.....
Just a little lesson in organized religion....lol!

 

[Matthews1127]

Robin Levy, a personal friend from HS, posts about the brothers, David & Cecil, gunned down at TOL:

There will be a special report on local news station KDKA at 6:30 & 11pm, and on CW at 10pm, tonight dedicated to these wonderful men. Ross Gregory will be reporting.

 

[Calliecake]

@Matthews1127 I’m glad you were able to spend time with your mom today and she was having a good day. Days like yesterday make us appreciate the gift of having those we love with us. My heart goes out to all those affected by yesterday’s awful tragedy.

 

[AGBF]

I think many Christians, and those of other faiths are ignorant to the teachings of the story of Christ. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard DEVOUT Christians state that Jews don’t believe Christ existed, and that Jews crucified him. Fact: Jews believe Christ existed.

We are straying into forbidden territory here. I do not want to say very much because I do not want to cause controversy. So far this thread has been peaceful and supportive. In the spirit of intellectual honesty, however, I do want to say that some theologians and historians of different faiths have discussed the existence of the historical Jesus. These include the great Protestant theologian Albert Schweitzer.

 

[Matthews1127]

We are straying into forbidden territory here. I do not want to say very much because I do not want to cause controversy. So far this thread has been peaceful and supportive. In the spirit of intellectual honesty, however, I do want to say that some theologians and historians of different faiths have discussed the existence of the historical Jesus. These include the great Protestant theologian Albert Schweitzer.

Agreed. Just food for thought. No one has to follow.

 

[Jambalaya]

What a terrible thing to happen. My thoughts are with the Jewish community.

Hope the shooter never gets out of jail.

 

[Matthews1127]

What a terrible thing to happen. My thoughts are with the Jewish community.

Hope the shooter never gets out of jail.

He’s facing 29 Federal Charges; 3 of which carry a maximum penalty of death.
He’s still recovering in the hospital, right now. I believe he is expected to be released, via police custody, tomorrow, when he will have his first hearing.

 

[Jambalaya]

This isn't really the time or the place, but I just wanted to clarify that I don't support the death penalty, under any circumstances, because I believe that civilized societies don't kill. I believe it puts us on the same level as the perpetrator. However, I also don't believe that people like this shooter can ever be rehabilitated - they're just evil through and through - so my hope is that criminals like him are locked up for the rest of their lives. Just wanted to communicate that this is why I said that I hope he never gets out. It's not because I don't think he deserves the death penalty.

 

[Matthews1127]

This isn't really the time or the place, but I just wanted to clarify that I don't support the death penalty, under any circumstances, because I believe that civilized societies don't kill. I believe it puts us on the same level as the perpetrator. However, I also don't believe that people like this shooter can ever be rehabilitated - they're just evil through and through - so my hope is that criminals like him are locked up for the rest of their lives. Just wanted to communicate that this is why I said that I hope he never gets out. It's not because I don't think he deserves the death penalty.

I understand.
Honestly, most mass or spree killers, statistically & historically speaking, don’t premeditate a crime like this, expecting to make it out, alive.
I think his punishment should be to allow him to live & be tormented for the rest of his life, having to face his worst fears. Whatever his worst nightmare is should be thrown at him, unexpectedly, every day, for the rest of his life.
I also don’t think he should be in protective or isolated custody; he needs to be placed in general population where justice can be served, appropriately. If he lives, he can relive that experience, every day, too.
Rehabilitation is not an option. He needs to live the most unpleasant existence possible, if he doesn’t meet a needle of lethal proportions.
This is not an eye for an eye. This is a clear message of “this is what happens to you if you commit atrocities against the innocent”. Our justice system is skewed & flawed.
If he begs for death, keep him alive & torment him. Get up in his head. One of two things will happen. Either he’ll die at the hands of another prisoner or he’ll die at his own hand.
Justice served.

Edited to add: Death or Life for this monster will not bring the dead back to life. As much as I believe sufferage is a better punishment, it accomplishes nothing, and it’s just not the way our system works. I can fantasize all I want, but the reality of the entire thing is this: the less he is remembered, the faster he is forgotten, the better for ALL. These radical monsters want their 15 mins of fame, and their names to go down in history books. We need to make this about the victims, and never about their perpetrator. I will forget his name forever, and memorialize the lives that were taken.
THAT is my justice.

 

[Jambalaya]

I agree with the vast majority of what you write, Matthews. I'm still not sure about the hellish torment every day, though - but NOT because he doesn't deserve that. He absolutely deserves that! But again, I think a civilized society locks someone like him up forever yet maintains basic humanity in the prison. Because we are not like him. I also feel that many people of faith may not be comfortable with him experiencing that level of abuse every day, either. I think he should just be forgotten about, and never let out.

 

[Matthews1127]

I agree with the vast majority of what you write, Matthews. I'm still not sure about the hellish torment every day, though - but NOT because he doesn't deserve that. He absolutely deserves that! But again, I think a civilized society locks someone like him up forever yet maintains basic humanity in the prison. Because we are not like him. I also feel that many people of faith may not be comfortable with him experiencing that level of abuse every day, either. I think he should just be forgotten about, and never let out.

I’m probably just too raw over it, right now, and the idea of subjecting him to psychological torment makes me feel better...lol! Death is too good for him.

 

[Jambalaya]

Death is definitely too good for him. I think that's part of my point about the death penalty.

 

[Matthews1127]

Death is definitely too good for him. I think that's part of my point about the death penalty.

Time will tell, as this case unfolds. Just because 3 of the charges carry a maximum punishment of death doesn’t mean he’ll actually receive the death penalty.
This is a fortunate circumstance, uncommon to previous events, where the actor(s) were killed at the scene. Law Enforcement has the opportunity to collect info from the source, and try to compile answers for those left behind.
It will be interesting, at least, to see what happens, here, and what, if anything, we can learn from this.

 

[Jambalaya]

I'm glad he was taken alive because now he will face justice. Mass shooters who kill themselves at the scene escape it. And there is definitely a part of me that hopes he experiences a particularly rough time in jail, even though I know that's not the most civilized response.

 

[Matthews1127]

FWIW, everyone, I appreciate the outpouring of sympathy, empathy, and support. Pittsburgh’s one of the toughest places on Earth, and one of the most resilient. We will move on. We will not only live, but we will thrive. Sq. Hill will never let hate win, and we will continue to live our lives by not living in fear. We will honor those who were taken by going about our lives the way we always have.
The most touching part of it all is the Unity displayed during these times. Not just on social media, but at vigils, memorial services & funerals. The presence of love & support, near and far is what is so moving. With our country divided, it’s beautiful to see people come together, albeit due to tragedy, and be united in the face of evil. To stand up for justice for the innocent, and to bravely defy terrorism at its core.
This is important to all of us, not just Pittsburgh. People of all races, religions, sexual orientations, genders, and political parties United, this weekend to form a common bond. This is who we are, as Americans. This is who we are, as a People. This is who we are. And it’s beautiful.
Thank you all.

 

[AGBF]

Here are some survivor accounts which are now coming out. They certainly put a human face on what it was like to be inside the synagogue during the murder spree.

https://www.apnews.com/017eca5511ec4834b4406ac8c6b5bb13

 

[Matthews1127]

Here are some survivor accounts which are now coming out. They certainly put a human face on what it was like to be inside the synagogue during the murder spree.

https://www.apnews.com/017eca5511ec4834b4406ac8c6b5bb13

Thank you for sharing this. It’s so important to put faces to the names of those whose lives were sniffed out, senselessly. Names of the law enforcement officers who were wounded during this act of terror were released, this morning. Six were wounded. Three remain hospitalized; 2 in stable condition, 1 in critical condition. Prayers are sent for swift healing, and for all to survive.

 

[Matthews1127]

This moved me to tears. I have to share. *Disclaimer: it’s long....











This is a glimpse of what our City is really like. Not just in times of tragedy, but every day. This is what it means to be a Pittsburgher. This is a true representation of our diverse, quiet & peaceful community of Sq. Hill.
None of his experiences at the airport, the car rental, the hospital, the memorial service, or the pizzeria are surprising to me. It’s just the way we live in our small town.
Today, I came into work, and I went straight to see one of the physicians for and with whom I work, every day. She is the second person I reached out to, Saturday Morning. We hugged & cried, together. We bonded & came together with common feelings and emotions. I was raised in a Protestant Household, and she, in a Jewish Household. Our hearts feel the same pain & suffering, yet have room to love & accept others who are different than we are. Our blood runs red, and our minds share the same thoughts: Hate must not live here. Our world needs real change.
#Vote

 

[AGBF]

Thank you for sharing Jonathan Berkun's story with us, Matthews. I had read elsewhere that he said if his mother had not been ill that his father would have been killed on Saturday and I wondered how he knew that. Now I know. He knew where his father sat.

It was too much for me to watch the coverage on television this morning, but by tonight I returned to it. Seeing the elderly cry really gets to me. They shouldn't have to suffer so much.
Forgive me if I speak nonsense in this thread.

Hugs,
(((Matthews)))
Deb

 

[LaylaR]

Thank you so much for sharing. I have no other words. Words aren't enough any more for tragedies like this.

 

[Matthews1127]

Thank you for sharing Jonathan Berkun's story with us, Matthews. I had read elsewhere that he said if his mother had not been ill that his father would have been killed on Saturday and I wondered how he knew that. Now I know. He knew where his father sat.

It was too much for me to watch the coverage on television this morning, but by tonight I returned to it. Seeing the elderly cry really gets to me. They shouldn't have to suffer so much.
Forgive me if I speak nonsense in this thread.

Hugs,
(((Matthews)))
Deb

You don’t speak nonsense, Deb; only words from the heart. In times like this, nothing makes sense, even at times when what we say does.
It’s like @LaylaR stated: there are just no words, anymore.
All I can do is share stories, and hope for change. DH & I still have children attending schools, and my oldest is in college. These places are expected to be safe, but past tragedies have stolen that safety. Churches, Temples, and Mosques have been under attack. There is no sanctuary safe from such violence, anymore. If our schools and houses of worship are no longer safe, no place on earth is.
This is concerning, and frightening. In spite of this threat, I’m angry. I am fed up with it all.
I don’t have the answers. I don’t know what the solutions are. But I know the first step is change. Our gov’t needs to come together, unite for the betterment of the People, and do something to make this stop.
We are the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. It’s time we act like it, and stand up to terrorism, foreign and domestic.

 

[MamaBee]

I’m not Jewish but my daughter-in-law and grandson are Jewish. They were staying over with me because my son was away. She was the one who told me. Her face told it all and I was crushed. I looked at those two sweet faces and I had no words. We try to make sense from craziness and you can’t. These people that do these horrific crimes are evil..
I remember going to Charleston years ago after a man killed people in a small church there a few weeks before. The people who were members there welcomed him with open arms. He said he thought about not killing them because they were so nice to him..but he did it anyway..
I feel that there is no place to be completely safe anymore..
I do not want to become numb because these are people I don’t know. I know they are somones’s son, daughter, mother, father, in laws, grandchildren, friend...I hurt for them because I can’t imagine the hurt they feel and how they will get through this.

 

[missy]

I have attempted to start posting here a few times but it is hard. As you say words all seem superficial. I think of the late great Elie Weisel and words and speeches he had shared on the topic of hate. On anti-semitism which is alive and well all over the world. With a strong fervor that is scary.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nati...ory.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.09842e06c331

Elie Wiesel, the Nobel Prize winner and Holocaust survivor, concluded that the endurance of anti-Semitism remains a mystery; he described anti-Semitism as an “irrational disease.” The unsolvable puzzle, he said, is that “the world has changed in the last 2,000 years, and only anti-Semitism has remained. . The only disease that has not found its cure is anti-Semitism.”

@Matthews1127 and @Mamabean and anyone else who is directly affected by this latest tragedy I am thinking about you and sending hugs and love your way.

I don't know if there is a solution to this complex issue of hate and murderous rage but I do know we can never stop trying to find a solution and make this world a safe and peaceful place filled with tolerance, love and acceptance for everyone.

The perils of indifference. Indifference is not a beginning, it is an end. And, therefore, indifference is always a friend to the enemy, for it benefits the aggressor – never his victim. In 1944 Elie Wiesel, along with his family, was taken to Auschwitz extermination camp.

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - Martin Luther King, Jr.