
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Laminated mixed media collage with paper, dried leaves, and marker. Tree in the center; two clouds and sun in upper register. Handwritten inscriptions in various marker colors on tree trunk and upper center. Extensive bleeding to back and signs of water exposure; creasing.
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: "You are loved and we see you! Never give up because you mean more than can you imagine. Signed, A friend." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "From strength to strength [Star of David]. With you from KBH and all of Virginia Beach."
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The front cover features the partial outline of a tree; most of the ink faded has faded by water damage at the memorial site. The inside, which also has partial fading due to water damage, reads: "I can't think of the words to say that could possibly make this better for all of you. Just know that we are all here for you, as a Jewish community sending love and strength your way. Though it may not seem like it now, we will all make it through this and work to make tomorrow a better day.
Note with hand drawn illustration of two flowers and the moon. The illustration is accompanied by the following message: "When I'm in alignment with the love of the universe, peace cannot be disrupted." Illustration by Micaela [last name redacted] and words by Gabrielle [last name redacted]. Fading and color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11/4/18 and reads: "Dear Tree of Life Synagogue, Please accept our heartfelt condolences in the loss of your beloved congregation members, from our congregation at Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, CA. In LA, I grew up living next to a Rabbi (Marvin Bornstein) and his dear family. He was familiar with loss as well, having left medical school in Vienna at the onset of WW II. I learned from his example of love, tolerance and peace.
Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of a haloed dove flying in front of Noah's ark. The inside reads: "I'm sorry for your loss. Jayden."
Hand painted sign on paper cutout with various motifs, including Stars of David, the Stronger Than Hate Steelers' logo with the Star of David, and a peace symbol. The word, "love" is written in white ink with a streak of blue and white paint.
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of the word: "Hope" surrounded by floral and geometric motifs. The back contains a handwritten note, as well as the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School." A sticker with the words: "Stronger Together" appears in the upper center.
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The card reads: "From our community at GW, you are in our hearts. We pray for better days to come, for mitzvot (good deeds) in honor of those lost, for actions of light to crowd out darkness in Squirrel Hill and beyond."
Handwritten note signed by Ben and Beth of Toronto. Written in black ink on the back of stationary with the logo of Marriott Hotels. Staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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.
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "In light of recent events, I want to send over my condolences and love. I want you to know that this is not who we Christians are. We are not hate- only love. Your community is always and forever in prayers. [Smiley face]."
Printed text of the Hebrew poem "Shalom Aleichem," which is traditionally recited on Friday evenings to welcome the Sabbath angels. Translated into English here. Some of the text in the first line of the final stanza has been cut off. Staining and creasing due to exposure to the elements 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 heart with floral and geometric motifs. The back contains a handwritten note, a hand drawn illustration of a rainbow, and the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of seven children holding hands around a table with a large goblet and loaf of braided bread, and seven doves. The illustration is labeled: "We are people of God's peace." The inside reads: "We are here and praying in your time of need."
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a bird with a leaf in its mouth with floral and geometric motifs, surrounded by a pattern with smiley faces. The back contains a handwritten note and a "Stronger Together" sticker, as well as the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
Folded card on light blue paper. Extensive creasing and blue and yellow staining. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the message on this card is no longer visible.
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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