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
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Folded card with crayon illustrations. Cover features three human figures. One is standing and smiling. Second is prone and frowning. Third is floating with face obscured. Several balloon-like shapes float toward a colored band along upper margin. Interior reads, "We are here. Right by your side. Keep fighting and good things will come." Back reads "2018" above prone human figure.
Card with ballpoint pen illustration. One side reads "We Are With You" with zigzag decorations in corners. Reverse reads, "Don't worry. You are not by yourself. We will support you!" with illustration of hand reaching out.
Folded card with colored pencil illustration. Front shows a tree in autumn with grass and falling leaves. Inside reads: "Nobody deserves to go through what you are going through. Best wishes to all. Love [heart] Beth Chai."
Folded card with crayon and marker illustration. Cover features smiley face. Interior features illustration of heart and of rising sun. Text reads, "Things do get better. We are so sorry for your loss and all the pain you've endured in recent days. Sending our best wishes and love for healing and peace in the days ahead. Beth [last name redacted for privacy] of Beth Chai Congregation in Maryland.
Folded card with marker illustration. Cover features illustration of tree with ladder. Interior reads, "We are with you at this sorrowful time. The Beth Chai Congregation of Greater Washington." Back cover reads "I hope you feel better. P.S. We will donate $ to you" with two five-pointed stars.
Folded card with colored pencil illustration. Cover shows four smiley faces, two heart shaped balloons, surrounded by asterisk-shaped stars on a multicolored background. Inside reads: "Our prayers are with you! I hope you are well!" Back reads "2018" and features two heart shaped ballons in the lower center atop a salmon colored background.
Folded card with marker illustration. Front and back cover features illustrations of heart superimposed on tree. Interior features illustration of two figures beneath word bubble "Freedom!" and nine balloons.
Folded card with colored pencil illustration. Front reads: "Kindness" and shows a girl asking "Are you okay"? The back shows a second girl, responding: "Yes, I am okay". Inside reads: "Dear Pittsburg[h], Our hearts go out to you in this sad time. May you find peace, and comfort, and a beacon of hope. Laurie and Michael."
Folded card with colored pencil word art. Cover reads: "Have a good day". Interior reads: "Dear all, I'm so sorry to hear what happened there. We as a Beth Chai would like to send our heart to be there together. We believe world will be better. [Last name redacted for privacy] family."
Folded card with marker illustration. Cover shows two balloons, a heart, and smiley face. Inside reads: "I hope everything gets better. I hope this never happens again. We are here for you." Signed with a heart.
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."
Folded card with marker illustrations. Cover reads "Best Wishes." Interior features illustration of smiling sun over water and words "Best Wishes" and name "Harper [last name redacted for privacy]."
Folded card with colored pencil illustration. Cover reads: "Remember that we are here with you" with a heart below. Inside shows an illustration of stick figure surrounded by six hearts. Back reads: "It's fine we're here with you" and features an upright hand.
Folded card with marker illustrations. Cover features two balloons with text "It's fine we are here with you." Interior features illustration of abstract diamond designs with text, "I'm saddened by the tragic attack on your community in Pittsburgh - and on all Jews. Please know that you are not alone, and have lots of support from good people near and far. L'shalom."
Folded card with marker illustration. Cover shows a Star of David in the center, surrounded by six hearts. Inside features a tree and reads: "May you all be surrounded by love at this difficult time." Back features a Star of David encircled by a heart.
Folded card with colored pencil illustration. Front shows a tree, smiley face, and is signed "Beatrice." Inside features assorted illustrations including three balloons, two hearts and a star, and large smiley face. Back shows three balloons.
Folded card with marker illustration. Cover features illustration of Star of David inside heart under name "Aden." Interior features illustration of five balloons and words, "We want you to know that you are not alone. Sending warm thoughts and hugs to your community. Beth Chai."
Folded card with marker and colored pencil illustration. Front and back cover feature spread of tree emerging from blue field. Interior features scribbles and name "Veronica." Additional message reads "Our hearts go out to you at this tragic time, along with our wishes for healing. The Beth Chai Congregation of Greater Washington, D.C."
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.