
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by Sophia and another individual whose name is illegible. The tag is dated 10-29-2018 and reads: "You are in our prayers and thoughts. I'll walk with you in your support." The message is written in black ink on a printed tag with multicolored flowers in the lower right corner. The reverse is stamped with the contact information for Squirrel Hill Flower Shop.
Bilingual note written in black ink on lined notebook paper. The message reads in both Hebrew and English: "You are Loved. You are not forgotten." Signed with a Star of David.
Handwritten letter written in green ink on white coloring paper, folded in half, from Lizzie, age twenty. Addressed to Lizzie's community in Pittsburgh. Lizzie explains her impulse to write this letter: "I'm not sure how to put this in words, but I do know that I have the urge to send something." Lizzie identifies herself as Jewish in her card. Tearing in upper center may be due to exposure to the elements sustained at the Wilkins memorial.
Laminated text of the Catholic "Beatitudes" blessing printed on paper with light blue checkered pattern in background. A yellow band with the words "The Beatitudes" appears in the upper center; blue and purple clouds covering the sun appear to the left. A handmade paper medallion with five decoratively rolled spirals and a silver string has been taped to the front.
Handwritten letter written in black pencil on pink coloring paper folded in half from the Dillon family. The letter inside is addressed to God, referred to as "Heavenly Father." The Dillon family pray for healing, comfort, and unity. The envelope is addressed to Tree of Life, written in blue pencil.
Floral tag from floral arrangement, which reads: "May they Rest in Peace." The message is written in blue ink on a printed tag with multicolored flowers in the lower right corner. The reverse is stamped with the contact information for Squirrel Hill Flower Shop.
Letter written with red ink on lined notebook paper. The letter reads: "Stay strong. Gone but neve[r] forgotten. From Graccie [last name redacted]. We miss you." Illustrated with a small heart and Star of David.
Handwritten note written in blue ink on lined paper. Addressed to the victims of the October 27 attack and their families. The note is signed by Natasha and reads: "I love you. I'm so sorry this happened to you." Staining and color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Floral tag from floral arrangement, which reads: "There is no good way to express the grief and horror our community feels. We will continue to mourn with you." The message is written in black ink on a printed tag with multicolored flowers in the lower right corner. The reverse is stamped with the contact information for Squirrel Hill Flower Shop.
Floral tag from floral arrangement, which reads: "May the lord Be with you!" The message is written in black ink on a printed tag with white and purple flecked flowers.
Typed two-page letter addressed to the Tree of Life synagogue, families of victims, and survivors. Dated Sunday Nov. 4, 2018. The letter includes tributes from multiple individuals throughout western and central Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Beaver, Elk, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
Printed translation of Psalm 43, according to the English Standard Version (ESV) translation. The person who printed this psalm included a personal, typed note below reading: "Tears are prayers too. They travel to God when we can't speak."
Floral tag from floral arrangement, which reads: "Love will always prevail. Together against hate." The message is written in black ink on a printed tag with multicolored flowers in the lower right corner. Tape in the upper center. The reverse is stamped with the contact information for Squirrel Hill Flower Shop.
Print outs with English and Hebrew lyrics from popular Jewish and Israeli artists and poets, including Hannah Szenes (Senesh), Arik Einstein, Matisyahu, and Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. A handwritten note in blue ink reading "May your memory be eternal" appears on the second page.
Handwritten note written in black, pink, and red marker on the back of page from a Staples calendar. The note contains quotes from Ecclesiastes and the South African Jewish philosopher, David Benatar. The quotes articulate the philosophical perspective, championed by Benatar, that procreation is not ethical.
Handwritten letter written in black ink on lined notebook paper from Michelle. Michelle is a lifelong Pittsburgher whose mother worked in Squirrel Hill when Sophie Masloff, Pittsburgh's first Jewish and female mayor, was in office. Michelle recalls her mother's pride in serving Masloff. Michelle notes that she is a student at the University of Pittsburgh and currently lives in Squirrel Hill. She apologizes for being "neglectful" of her ties with the Jewish community. She wrote this letter to extend "my very friendly hello" and to communicate her solidarity.
Typed condolence note with the names of the eleven victims of the October 27 attack listed in alphabetical order.
Double-sided letter. The front features a letter written in blue ink on a white background. The letter is addressed to the families and friends of the October 27 attack victims, the three congregations that gathered to pray at the Tree of Life synagogue, the people of Squirrel Hill, the people of Pittsburgh, as well as all citizens of the world. The addressees are listed in six respective hearts in the upper center. The hearts are surrounded by the branches of two trees which frame either side of the letter.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by the Brown family. The tag reads: "Pittsburgh Strong. We grieve with you. There are no words. Thank you for standing for love. Thank you for fulfilling Exodus 22:21." Note handwritten in blue ink on a printed tag featuring a white rose on the left.
Typed letter addressed to Jerry Rabinowitz from Louis D. Louis identifies himself as a gay patient of Rabinowitz during the 1980s. He thanks for Rabinowitz for his sensitivity and care. The letter is enclosed in a plastic page protector and has tape residue on the back from the Wilkins memorial.
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.
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