Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Oral history of Nina Butler, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Black and white sticker with the word "LOVE" in large capital letters.
Printed floral tags from floral arrangements sent by Shadyside Presbyterian Church.
Card with flying dove holding an olive branch in its mouth over a navy blue background with light blue tendrils on the front cover. The word "Peace" appears below the dove. Handwritten note in blue marker from Kelly M. from Freedom, Pa.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Tree of Life members, You have all been in my heart and prayers this past week. It is impossible to imagine what you all must have experienced, but I would hope that your faith and strong community would be very healing at this time. I am so impressed with the response of your congregation- to just keep going, as the Jewish people have done for thousands of years throughout history.
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.
Notecard with green line on the right which reads: "This was wrong and shouldn't have happened. Our hearts go out to you. We know that love is stronger than hate."
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The front of the card reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live)." The inside reads: "I have [heard] about the terrible news that happened and I feel very very bad for you. I hope moshiach (the Messiah) should come now so we could join with them now!!!" Multiple stars of David and smiley faces are integrated into the text of this card. Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
Handwritten note written in blue ink on a lined notecard reading: "Sending all of my sympathy, empathy and love. I don't know what else to say. -Hope [last name redacted]. Brooklyn, New York (Former Pittsburgher)."
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:
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front and back cover contains the following quote attributed to the medieval Persian poet, Rumi: "Don't grieve, anything you lose comes around in another form." The words in the quote are overlaid with red, green, and blue shading. A large Star of David enclosed by three circles appears below. The upper flap inside reads: "Just because the light stopped shining, doesn't mean we're stuck in darkness. The moon comes out, but the sun still comes up every day.
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. Contents of card rendered illegible by water damage at the memorial site.
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover contains the following quote attributed to Hubert H. Humphrey: "The greatest gift of life is friendship and I have received it. Quote is accompanied by Star of David and a heart. Signed: "By Jace S." The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am a student from Colorado and I heard about the news and I am sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Jace [last name redacted], Goddard Middle School." Back reads: "Friends never say goodbye."
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 love and support. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "Share the Love! Free Bouquets!"
Handwritten "Prayer of St. Francis" written in black ink on white paper, glued to cardboard. Warping due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "We love [heart] Tree of Life." Staining and color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Hand painted, laminated sign with the words: "May their memories be a blessing" in black paint." Eleven yellow candles with orange flames, symbolizing the eleven victims of the October 27 attack, appear below.
Page of blank stationery. Navy blue printing on white paper. Header read, "Congregation Oher Chodosh 79-81 Roberts Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 195_."
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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