Remembering Judah Samet: Holocaust, Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting survivor dies at 84

PITTSBURGH — Judah Samet, a Holocaust survivor who moved to Pittsburgh and then survived the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in 2018, has died at 84.

In front of the Tree of Life Synagogue, there are 11 memorials. Each tells the story of a person who died on that tragic day.

Samet, a survivor of the tragedy, spent his last years telling his own story of survival, a testimony he wanted to one day give in court.

His nephew reflected on why that was so important to him

“Probably the most important part of his legacy is his family,” said Larry Barasch, Samet’s nephew. “His synagogue was his family. And even though that occurred almost four years ago, it has had an impact on all of us. It’s not something that should occur.”

Samet’s entire life was a story of endurance, right up until his death on Tuesday from complications due to stomach cancer.

A Holocaust survivor, he spent much of his adult life sharing his experiences with students about life inside the internment camp. He shared how his mother reunited his family and how family and faith are virtues that guided his life.

On Oct. 27, 2018, a day of worship, his loved ones knew he would be with his synagogue family.

Fortunately, and out of character for Samet, he was running late and had just parked when the first shots rang out.

The director of the Holocaust Center said even though Samet was unharmed, the tragedy impacted him deeply, and he wanted to share that story, this time in court.

Samet’s funeral services will be held on Thursday, and the family is asking for any gifts to be sent to the Tree of Life rebuilding campaign.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

Former Pittsburgh entrepreneur sentenced to prison time for defrauding government

©2022 Cox Media Group