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
Card with the words of the Prayer for Peace handwritten in blank ink on a purple note card on the front and back. The Prayer for Peace is an eighteenth century Chasidic Jewish prayer adopted by liberal Jewish denominations in North America. The note concludes: "In loving memory of Rose Mallinger."
Post-it note with abstract illustration in blue and green marker.
Floral tag from floral arrangement addressed to Jerry sent by Darlene [last name redacted]. The tag reads: "To Jerry, Will always remember your kindness and compassionate bedside manner at SSH [Shadyside Hospital]. Love, Darlene [last name redacted] RN." The note is handwritten in black ink on white paper with a watermark in the lower center.
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover contains the following quote: "Let your smile change the world. But don't let the world change your smile." Illustrated with a Star of David below. The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am sorry for the antisemitic attack on your place of worship. I hope this letter will you get through these hard times. I also hope the victims' families are doing well. We can get through this. - Sincerely, Goddard Middle School Student, Littleton, Colorado."
Printed memorial note with the names and ages of the eleven victims of the October 27 attack. Creasing and staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Photocopied legal document. Typed with embossed seal and some handwritten annotations, 12 pages.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Friends at Tree of Life Synagogue, My heart hurts and aches for the tragedy and violence you have seen. I have thought about it many times as I sit in my own church with family and friends. May God wake with you always, ALL ways, may His breath be in yours, may you heal and grow together from this horrible loss. With much love, Katie [last name redacted] from PLCPC.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "May their memories be a blessing." Signed with a heart and a Star of David.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by Eddie and Diane in memory of Al Hess. The note is printed on a tag with a beige background from a local florist.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "As a result of this hate, I'm committing to discovering my Jewish identity and am doing micro-kindness."
Handwritten note in black ink on lined notepad paper. The note reads: "Pop Up Conversation and [F]ree Listening." Extensive tearing and staining throughout due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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."
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "Please do not stop your worship. Continue to pray for the people who really need it. Pray for those who need love. I love you so please do not stop worshipping or [be] scared to worship. Don't let the hate change your lifestyle. [Smiley face]."
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.
Card from "Julia L." expressing solidarity with the community.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "To our esteemed sisters and brothers I offer sorrow in your losses, comfort to enter into your memories and many blessings for your bright future as a synagogue to overcome. With all my love- Russell [last name redacted]."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The front and back covers of the card contain illustrated Stars of David. The inside reads: "One God... One Love... One World. I am sorry for your pain and suffering. May God Bless you all. Howard E. [last name redacted]." A Star of David appears in the upper center.
Folded card with crayon illustration. Cover features heart surrounded by circles and name Max. Interior reads "Things do get better. I am sorry for the 11 killed and their families. But the world's not over. How will you bounce back from the tragedy. You guys are really strong sticking through the tragedy." Second note reads. "We are with you! Michele."
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.