
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Glass vase with four blue and white star-shaped balloons and a miniature American flag. Handwritten in black marker on white balloon is "Love One Another Right Now" with two hearts. Attached to front of vase is typed note that reads, "For our beloved neighbors that worshipped at the Tree of Life Synagogue, with great sadness, but also with a recommitment to a world of justice, reason, and love - [redacted], Chatham University;-[redacted], Washington DC - [redacted], Fouzhou China- [redacted], Sao Paulo Brazil."
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.
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 reads: "Sorry for your loss. We will remember you. P.S. We will pray for you. Aden."
Handmade card illustrated with multi-colored crayons on light purple paper. The front features a child's illustration of an animal, perhaps a horse, with its mouth open wide in the shape of the letter C. The back features a blob outlined in brown crayon and other undecipherable imagery.
Miniature New York State flag. Wrapped around stem of flag is a slip of laminated yellow paper reading, "In Memory of our Brother In Memory of our Brother SYLVAN SIMON z''l -- To his family and community we pray Tanuchamo min hashamayim. May God in Heaven comfort you. The Principals, Teachers, Parents, Alumni, and Students of Magen David Yeshivah. Brooklyn, NY." Part of a series of 11 flags, each dedicated to one of the victims. Additional photograph shows the entire set of 11.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "We love you. You are all so strong." Signed with a heart. Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Handwritten card in red marker on paper. The card is signed: "Owen" and contains two illustrated stick figures.
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. Front cover reads: "From: Menachem [last name redacted] To: Jewish Community of Pittsburgh." Inside reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live). Passed away: 11, Injured: 2 Yidden (Jews) + 2 policemen=4. Illustrated below there is a wagon holding the shooter, who says in a word bubble: "I just wanted to kill Jews." A man with a hat, perhaps a police officer, is seated on the right.
Handwritten card in pencil on paper. The front cover features a Star of David in the center and reads in Hebrew: "L'chaim" (to life). The inside reads: "I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending you love, Mimi [last name redacted]." A Menorah appears in the center.
Oral history of Lauren Bairnsfather, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "To all of you at Tree of Life Synagogue, Deepest prayers and love reach out to each of you. May God's light and love bring you healing and strength. We are all one in our bonds of faith and goodness and HOPE! You are loved. Wendy [last name redacted]."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "May the peace and love of the Lord bless you all. Our hearts and prayers are with you as you try to understand the WHY of this tragic event. In Christ's love, Beverly [last name redacted] Pt. Loma Community Presbyterian Church 11-5-18."
Canvas with "We Are Better Than Hate" painted in orange letters with black border on a white background with black border. Canvas wrapped and stapled to wooden frame.
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a bird with a leaf in its mouth and floral and geometric motifs. The back contains a handwritten note, as well as the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "May the love and comfort of God, our father, be with you all in this dark hour. We pray for all of you. GOD BLESS You. Margaret [last name redacted]."
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.
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