
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Typed bilingual Hebrew and English letter from a student at Hebrew Academy, a private Jewish day school in Montreal, Quebec. In English the letter reads: "Dear Rabbi, I hope all is well. I'm talking to you from Montreal. I heard what happened last week and I want to say we have been saying Tehillim (Psalms) for you guys in Pittsburg[h]. The whole Jewish community is so sad and I want to say that we are really sorry. I hope all the injured will be okay and heal faster. Sincerely, Joshua [last name redacted]."
Hardwritten card in blue pen on white paper, offering condolences following the October 27 attack.
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The front cover reads: "Sending our Love." The inside reads: "Lots and lots of love. You are in our thoughts, prayers, AND actions. [Six heart symbols]. Continue being strong [heart symbol]. You are not alone [heart symbol].
Square card with white and yellow text against blue background. Card reads, "Mitzvah4Pittsburgh. Some spread darkness. We spread light. Choose a good deed. Choose a Mitzvah. Add light to the world," followed by four options and a place for respondents to list their name and email address. Some names and email addresses have been redacted for privacy.
Square card with white and yellow text against blue background. Card reads, "Mitzvah4Pittsburgh. Some spread darkness. We spread light. Choose a good deed. Choose a Mitzvah. Add light to the world," followed by four options and a place for respondents to list their name and email address. Some names and email addresses have been redacted for privacy.
Folded card with handwritten messages on white paper. The front cover reads: "Love," written in colorful bubble letters. The inside reads: "Your brothers and sisters in Aspinwall love you very much."
Folded card with marker and colored pencil illustration. Front and back cover features Star of David inside heart. Interior features illustrations of heart and tree and word "Please accept our love and thoughts at this terrible time. Beth Chai Congregation, Bethesda, Md."
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."
Handwritten card in colored pencil on paper. A blue and green colored globe, surrounded by alternating male and female stick figures in purple, red, and yellow, appears in the center. The globe is inscribed: "We are thinking of YOU!!" The upper and lower edge of the card reads, in Hebrew: "Am Yisrael Chai"(the People of Israel live). Four Stars of David appear on either side of the globe. Signed: "Hannah S. 8th grade at Yeshivat Noam."
Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of a haloed dove flying in front of Noah's ark. The inside contains an illustrated tree, labeled "Tree of Life" and reads: "Tree of Life Members, I am really sorry for your loss. I'm praying for you everyday. May all people that have passed away rest in heaven peacefully, and all that are injured good luck to recovery. May all the souls' hearts that have been broken recover and rejoy: Much Love From, Elaina, Holy Angels Church, 6th Grade."
Handwritten and illustrated card in colored pencil on scratch paper. The card features an illustrated tree and Menorah and includes various messages, including, "Happy Chanukah" and "Love stronger than hate." It is addressed to the rabbi of the congregation. Signed: "Lucky"[last name redacted] "son of" [name redacted].
Folded card on yellow paper with handwritten messages and marker illustrations. The front cover reads: "Have Hope." The inside reads: "Remember to stay hopeful during these hard times. Our are thoughts are with you." A yellow-outlined smiley face appears below. The back reads: "Pittsburgh will support you" and features a large Star of David illustrated in yellow.
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.
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover features the following quote: "No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted." An illustration of a rainbow appears below. The inside reads: "Dear Tree of Life Congregation, I am sorry for your loss. I am writing to you from Colorado. I would like you to know people far away care for you. I may not believe in Judaism but I believe your heart is in the right place. Sincerely, Uyen [last name redacted], Littleton, Colorado."
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.
Note with hand drawn illustration of two flowers and the moon. The illustration is accompanied by the following message: "When I'm in alignment with the love of the universe, peace cannot be disrupted." Illustration by Micaela [last name redacted] and words by Gabrielle [last name redacted]. Fading and color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The card reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live), I will daven for you and give extra tzadakah (charity) and nothing else should happen like what just happened and when moshiach (the Messiah) comes [?] and Hashem will do t'chiyat hameitim (resurrect the dead). The rest of your life should be successful. From so and so... which." The acronym "BS"D" (with the help of heaven), a common header in traditional Jewish letter-writing, appears in the upper left corner.
Card addressed to Irving Younger. Cover features a reproduction of a painting by Frank Crosby, a resident of the Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh. The inside contains messages of love and support written by other members of the Emmaus Community.
Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of seven children holding hands around a table with a large goblet and loaf of braided bread, and seven doves. The illustration is labeled: "We are people of God's peace." The inside reads: "The Tree of Life Members, even though you are going through something tough you will get through it by praying and being with each other. Sincerely, Holy Angels CCD."
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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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