The October 27 Archive currently contains 1333 objects and is regularly being expanded with more material. The archive includes flyers and programs from community gatherings held since the October 27 attack, a comprehensive collection of news coverage about the day of the event, oral history recordings reflecting a diverse array of experiences, and historical documentation about the Jewish experience in Western Pennsylvania.
You can view all the materials currently included in the archive using the browser below. Each object has been described and cataloged to help you discover materials, learn about these materials, understand the context in which these materials were created, and draw connections between different materials. You can refine the browsing experience using various filters, including creator, type, and subject. Some of these filters have already been used to create preset galleries, each organized around specific aspects of the archive. You can also look for specific words and phrase found in the archive using a keyword search.
Western Pennsylvanians share their life stories and reflect on the impact of an antisemitic attack in a beloved Jewish neighborhood.
Documentation of the October 27 attack as it was unfolding, told through news articles and oral histories.
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent in honor of the congregation at Tree of Life Synagogue. The note is printed on a tag with a beige background from a local florist, Oliver Flower Shop.
Summary: Associated Press wire report carried by WESA on increased security presence at synagogues and other houses of worship following the October 27 attack.
Summary: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review report on claim by the Anti-Defamation League that the October 27 attack was 'likely the deadliest' antisemitic incident in American history. Includes a statement from ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt.
Document with reflections, sheet music, and song lyrics, 9 pages.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated November 2018 and reads: "God's peace be with you. Love, Peggy [last name redacted]."
Cardstock program with typed text on front and back. Creased down the middle. Program includes itinerary, directions for a vigil walk and a wreath laying ceremony, and Hebrew and English lyrics for two Jewish songs: "Olam Hesed Yibaneh" and "Oseh Shalom Bimromav."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11/04/18 and reads: "We are ONE life, ONE Body, and ONE God. Love and blessings to all."
Miniature New York State flag. Wrapped around stem of flag is a slip of laminated yellow paper reading, "In Memory of our Brother DAVID ROSENTHAL z''l -- To his family and community we pray Tanuchamo min hashamayim. May God in Heaven comfort you. The Principals, Teachers, Parents, Alumni, and Students of Magen David Yeshivah. Brooklyn, NY." Part of a series of 11 flags, each dedicated to one of the victims. Additional photograph shows the entire set of 11.
Clear glass mason jar containing paper butterflies on sticks, rhinestone star wand, and windchime in the form of an angel with message reading "be at peace."
Wreath woven from branches, synthetic greenery, and pink and white synthetic flowers.
Patch featuring logo of Pittsburgh Penguins adapted to resemble a Star of David above the words "Stronger Than Hate."
Rectangular cardboard sign. Front reads, "LOVE They Neighbor" with a heart in purple, green, blue, and read marker. Back includes signatures from the Wolfson children.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by Sophia and another individual whose name is illegible. The tag is dated 10-29-2018 and reads: "You are in our prayers and thoughts. I'll walk with you in your support." The message is written in black ink on a printed tag with multicolored flowers in the lower right corner. The reverse is stamped with the contact information for Squirrel Hill Flower Shop.
Program for a memorial service at Beth Israel Congregation in Washington, Pa. Shows an illustration of the synagogue and lists speakers for the evening.
Wreath of twigs in the shape of a peace sign.
Small metal menorah with the word "Shalom" across the front and "Jerusalem" on the base. Original blue and green paint is faded. Menorah has wax drippings on branches.
Summary: Pittsburgh City Paper report from havdalah vigil at the corner of Forbes and Murray avenue in Squirrel Hill, organized by students from Allderdice High School.
Summary: The Incline breaking news report on October 27 attack, updated throughout the day. Includes timeline of the attack, early details about victims and alleged perpetrator, reports about upcoming vigils, and information about Tree of Life Congregation.
Typed two-page letter addressed to the Tree of Life synagogue, families of victims, and survivors. Dated Sunday Nov. 18, 2024. Contains tributes from multiple individuals throughout western and central Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Beaver, Elk, and Washington counties, as well as a couple from Pacific Grove, Ca. The second page has since been lost.
Trifold pamphlet on off white paper with typed text. Cover features photograph of chandelier from the Rodef Shalom Congregation sanctuary, quote by Ahad Ha'am, and congregational logo. Interior lists details for Friday night and Saturday morning services, lists the names of the victims of the October 27 attack, and reprints original poetry by Rabbi Danny Schiff, Chana Brody, and Valerie Bachrach. Back cover lists officers of the congregation. Two-page insert lists upcoming events at the congregation.
Terms of Use
The October 27 Archive collects responses to an antisemitic attack in Pittsburgh, Pa. on October 27, 2018. These responses take many forms but share a motivating impulse. Each began in the mind and heart of someone who was moved by the events of that day and was compelled to create something meaningful from that feeling. By sharing these responses, those people chose to be vulnerable for the sake of a greater good. The October 27 Archive website was launched with the belief that sharing these responses with the world can provide an avenue for people all over the world to reflect, learn, and heal.
By entering this website, you agree to honor the spirit in which these responses were created and in which they are being shared with the world.
The materials on this website are being made available exclusively for research purposes. For permission to use any of the materials on this website for any other purpose, please contact the archive. If you are the creator of any of the material on this website, and you would like to provide context or request to have something removed, please contact the archive. If you intend to reference any material found on this website, please attribute all citations to the Rauh Jewish Archives, so that other researchers can easily locate these materials in the future.