
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Typed floral tag from Chestnut Hills Dental. Tape placed over printed message; staple on the right. Creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "R.I.P. we will fight for you. [Heart]."
Envelope addressed to Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of Tree of Life. Front cover of the enclosed Hallmark card features floral imagery and says "Thinking of You." Inside reads: "My only connection to each of you is that of a fellow caring, loving human spirit that has the incredible gift of being able to learn and exist with all other living beings on this Earth. Even though that is my only tie to each of you, it is strong enough to share in your sadness and loss..." Continues on the back: "As a community and as a fellow human. May love always conquer hat and fear.
Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The front cover reads: "Faith is the friend that comes along when things just seem to go all wrong." The inside reads: "You are not alone in this tragedy. We will pray for God's peace for your community. Love is stronger than hate. Colleen and Michael."
Rectangular card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. Front reads: "Dear members of Tree of Life, I'm from Japan and I am writing this letter because on extremely sad news about Jewish people came up yesterday. I'm feeling awfully sorry for Jewish people. I've been learning about 3 monotheistic re[li]gions from last month, so it also made me feel that I have connection with every single Jewish person.
Square card with white and yellow text against blue background. Card reads, "Mitzvah4Pittsburgh. Some spread darkness. We spread light. Choose a good deed. Choose a Mitzvah. Add light to the world," followed by four options and a place for respondents to list their name and email address. Some names and email addresses have been redacted for privacy.
Handmade laminated poster featuring tree with numerous multicolored paper leaves; printed inscription upper center. Handwritten inscriptions in various ink colors in each individual leaf. Blank back.
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note is enclosed in an envelope with church letterhead, reading: "The Church at Severn Run: Love Well, Live Jesus, Believe Big!" The note inside reads: "All God's love to you and your families. Dave, Cindy, and Remy. God Bless." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note is enclosed in an envelope with church letterhead, reading: "The Church at Severn Run: Love Well, Live Jesus, Believe Big!" The note inside contains messages of support and divine love. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Our hearts ache and break for and with you. We are with you in this and will remain prayerful as you walk through this incredible loss. With much love, Mary Jo [last name redacted]."
Handwritten letter written in green ink on white coloring paper, folded in half, from Lizzie, age twenty. Addressed to Lizzie's community in Pittsburgh. Lizzie explains her impulse to write this letter: "I'm not sure how to put this in words, but I do know that I have the urge to send something." Lizzie identifies herself as Jewish in her card. Tearing in upper center may be due to exposure to the elements sustained at the Wilkins memorial.
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a bird holding a leaf in its mouth with geometric and floral motifs. The back contains a handwritten note, as well as the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of the word: "Smile" and other floral and geometric motifs. The back contains a handwritten note in fuchsia pencil, reading: "I've lost loved ones I care about and know how hard it is. Please know I am thinking about you and I'm sorry for your loss." The stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School" appears on the bottom right.
Invitation to Leah's Bat Mitzvah celebration on Sunday May 27th at the Tree of Life synagogue. Illustrations of a palm tree and a sun appear on either side of the central text. On the back, the sender wrote: "I had the best day of my life in this shul. We will never forget what happened. We will make the world a better place."
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of the words: "Be Strong" and other floral and geometric motifs. The back contains a handwritten note, "Stronger Together" sticker, as well as the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
Folded card on white paper. Extensive pink staining in the center. Traces of yellow and pink writing and hand drawn illustrations visible in the upper center and lower left. Dirt stains throughout. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the message on this card is no longer visible.
Floral tag addressed to Richard Gottfried. The tag features a white rose on the left and the stock message: "With Deepest Sympathy" in a band on the upper center.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "We are here."
Handwritten note in red ink on white paper glued to black paper tag with gold string. The note reads: "Strong Than Hate. RIP."
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.
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