Melvin Gerald Wax was 88 when he was killed on October 27, 2018, during the attack at the New Light Congregation in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood. A long‑time, active member of the synagogue who was often first to arrive and last to leave, Wax was one of 11 people shot while Sabbath services were underway.

Authorities arrested Robert Bowers at the scene; he was reported to have been motivated by anti‑Semitic beliefs and was charged with multiple federal counts including hate crimes and obstruction of the free exercise of religious beliefs, facing the possibility of the death penalty if convicted. The shooting injured several others and prompted national condemnation and calls for action against hate crimes.

If anyone knew Melvin Wax or was at New Light Congregation that day and has recollections to share, please post what you remember.