The Collection

The October 27 Archive currently contains 1476 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.

Using this archive

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.

 

View the collection

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Photograph showing selection of archival materials
Photo Credit
Photograph by Carly Lough

The Archive

The October 27 Archive currently contains 1476 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.

Using this archive

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.

Galleries

Galleries are pre-selected filters that provide a glimpse into the depth and breadth of the October 27 collection.
  • Oral Histories

    Western Pennsylvanians share their life stories and reflect on the impact of an antisemitic attack in a beloved Jewish neighborhood.

  • Breaking News

    Documentation of the October 27 attack as it was unfolding, told through news articles and oral histories.

Show filters

Primary Type – Cards

Secondary Type - Cards

Language – Cards

Date – Cards

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Event – Cards

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (093)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Friends, Words cannot express our sorrow the losses you all have endured. That your community of faith, love, peace was assaulted with such hatred and brokenness-our hearts ache for you all. We stand with you in faith and love in the face of such destruction. We stand with you in prayers for comfort and healing in the midst of your pain. We stand with you as a force for love in a hurting world. The [last name redacted] Family, Lauren, Joel, Kieran, Micah."

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (090)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11/4/18 and reads: "Tree of Life Community- All of your brothers and sisters at Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church mourn with you. We are absolutely devastated at the events of last week's service, and there are no words one can say to make sense of it. The God of Abraham, Isaac, David, and Jacob is with you, and we pray for comfort, community, city, our country and our world.

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (107)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear friends, My heart and prayers are with all of you as you process your loss and the events in these past few days. May God's presence and comfort be showered on every one of you. I cannot even begin to imagine... I pray for God's grace and blessings. With love, Cheryl [last name redacted]."

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (060)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "To GOD's people in the Tree of Life Synagogue, Deep love and care from hurting hearts and encouragement in the difficulties every day. May the deep love of our GOD sustain you, strengthen you and give you peace. May GOD's deep shalom surround you, Chris and Martha (last name redacted), Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church San Diego, California."

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (051)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated Nov. 4, 2018 and reads: "Tree of Life, I give thanks daily to Yahweh, Father Abraham, Moses, and Jesus! We are all one with you, bonding with you, suffering with you, and healing with you! God help us all daily to Love, Joy, and Peace! Please let our pastor Karla Shaw know how we can help further! Shalom, Larry A. [last name redacted] Semper Fi America! San Diego, California."

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (089)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11-4-2018 and reads: "Dear Friends, I wish I was there to put my arms around all of you but all I have is this paper and pen. May you sense comfort and care through these note and know that I and many more from the community in San Diego stand in solidarity with you and your community. We condemn such violence against God's children whom we all are on this earth and hope for a time of safety and peace throughout, soon!! God's peace, Sandy."

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (008)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "To Members of Tree of Life and your community, We stand with you! I am praying for spiritual and physical healing for those who were injured or affected by the awful act of hatred directed at you. We serve an all-powerful God of mercy and love and I pray that you are comforted knowing that there are many who are lifting prayers on your behalf. May you as a community of faith be encouraged and healed. Pam [last name redacted]."

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (073)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Tree of Life Synagogue, We learned in church today, our Pastor Karla lived in the community where the tragic incident happened last week. We feel even more insight and sorrow for all involved. We want to offer our love, empathy, future blessings and also prayers for every family affected. We grieve for you, we pray for you, we pray for us all to be as one, we love you. Your San Diego friends in Christ from Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church.

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (109)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "My prayers are with you all during this unbelievable time of sadness for all of you in this congregation. I was so touched by the love... a beautiful outpouring of love, that you shared with one another during the vigils. The entire community is praying for all of you, and I hope that you are feeling surrounded by our love and prayers! Praying also for peace in our world! Kirsten, with love and blessings."

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Gifts

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (063)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Tree of Life, We are a Junior High small group from PLCPC. We are sorry for your loss. We are praying for the injured and those friends and family of those who died. We will continue to pray as your community continues to heal. Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church San Diego, CA. Mindy, Allison, Ellis, Mike, Logan, Georgia, Ana, Tessa, Sarah, Quinlan."