Two years ago today, we witnessed the most deadly act of violence against the Jewish community in American history. I stand with Pittsburgh & Jewish communities across Pennsylvania & the U.S. to remember & honor the victims of the Tree of Life synagogue. These are their stories:

Joyce Fienberg, 75, was known as a magnificently caring, generous and thoughtful person. According to WaPo, friends remember her as "a people person, always smiling and with a extended hand...never forgot anyone’s birthday. She was always available for whatever one might need.”

Like his father and grandfather, Richard Gottfried, 65, took his faith seriously, regularly attending Saturday services as a member of the New Light Congregation. He and his wife had just celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary and were looking forward to retiring.

97-year-old Rose Mallinger was regularly seen walking in the neighborhood or grocery shopping and had attended service for decades, almost without fail. She was always among the first to arrive. In her younger years, her & her sister would often prepare breakfast for congregants.

PGH Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz’s, 66, trademark was his bow tie, which he always wore with a big smile. During the HIV crisis, Jerry was known for keeping those sick with the virus alive the longest. He held his patients’ hands without gloves. He hugged them when the world shunned them

Cecil Rosenthal, 59, and his brother David, 54, were fixtures at the synagogue, attending services since they were young boys. Cecil loved to greet people at the door of the synagogue before services “not out of obligation, but out of joy,” as USA Today reported.

Achieva's vice president of residential supports released a statement saying that “David was so kind and had such a gentle spirit. Together, [the brothers] looked out for one another. Most of all, they were kind, good people with a strong faith and respect for everyone around.”

Bernice and Sylvan Simon, 84 and 86, were remembered as a sweet, kind couple, together for 62 years up until their lives were taken. They were deeply in love with each other and persevered in the tragic loss of a son in 2010. Their lives ended in the same temple they were wed.

Daniel Stein, 71, was born and raised in Pittsburgh and is remembered for his generosity and kindness. At the time of the shooting, Daniel was a new grandfather, and was known to talk extensively of his joys of being a grandparent.

Melvin Wax, 87, was a veritable fixture at the Tree of Life synagogue as a member of the New Light Congregation. He knew the synagogue like the back of his hand. He went Friday night, Saturday and Sunday, and if somebody didn’t show to lead, he led services himself.

Irving Younger, 69, volunteered at the synagogue and taught classes on current events at the local community center. He loved Pittsburgh sports and showing pictures of his kids and grandkids. In the week prior, he shared pictures with congregates of his newborn grandchild.

While I pray for the families and loved ones of these lost souls, thoughts and prayers are not enough. I will continue to fight for commonsense gun reform and recommit to never turning a blind eye to anti-Semitism, racism and bigotry. Hate has no place in our Nation.