One of the 11 people killed in Pittsburgh at the weekend when a gunman entered a synagogue and opened fire was the mother of a former Dundee University student, it has emerged.
Joyce Fienberg, 75, was inside the Tree of Life Synagogue – where she was a stalwart -when Robert Gregory Bowers allegedly opened fire during worship services.
Joyce’s son Howard Fienberg, who grew up in Pittsburgh and now lives in Virginia with his wife Marnie and their daughter, studied politics and international relations at Dundee University in 1994/95.
Howard, a former legislative assistant at the US Congress who now works for a Washington DC-based analytics company, and other members of his family – including brother Anthony who lives in Paris – have been left devastated by the atrocity.
Over the past few days, comforting words have been offered to Howard and his family through social media from friends and acquaintances from all around the world.
Mike Donatello said on Facebook: “Heartfelt and tearful prayers for my friend Howard Fienberg and his family, for their terrible loss of his mother Joyce, who was among the victims of last Friday’s attack in Pittsburgh. I long for the America of my youth.”
Paul Valdez said: “My heart aches tonight in learning that one of the precious lives we lost in Pittsburgh was a friend, Howard’s mother. Please send your strongest prayers of comfort to his family during this time. Please express love and care to those around you. Express it often.”
Elisa Galloway said: “When I heard the name this weekend, my heart broke. There are not enough tears for the many victims of this horrific tragedy. It is hard to find the words. Howard, I am so sorry for your loss. Please know prayers are being offered for you and your family.”
Religious leaders have said the deadly attack at the Pittsburgh synagogue will “not break us”.
Rabbi Jonathan Perlman, who helped hide people during Saturday’s shooting, spoke at an interfaith memorial service on Sunday.
Suspected gunman Robert Bowers is now in the custody of US marshals.
During his first court appearance on Monday, Bowers waived his detention hearing and has requested a public defender, US media reported.
A hearing has been scheduled for November 1.
