The Archive | October 27 Archive

The Collection

The October 27 Archive currently contains 1579 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.

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Photograph showing selection of archival materials

"Adeline" card

Handwritten card in pink and orange marker on pink paper. The card reads: "Sorry for this tragedy. We love! Adeline." A large, striped, inverted triangle appears below the word "Sorry." Small hearts and peace symbols appear throughout.

Hebrew Academy of Montreal letter (5)

Typed letter from a student at Hebrew Academy, a private Jewish day school in Montreal, Quebec. The letter reads: "Dear Rabbi, My name is Joelle. I'm 10 years old. I live in Montreal. I go to Hebrew Academy, a private school. I'm sorry to hear that there was a shooting. I feel so bad. It doesn't matter what religion you are, you have to respect other[s] just the same way you have to respect Hashem (God). We should always know that we are stronger than hate. So bad things can't happen we have to faith and emunah (trust) in Hashem. I feel so bad. From: Joelle. P.S.

"Praying for You" card

Letter addressed to Tree of Life Congregation. The card features an illustration of a gingko tree with the inscription "Praying for You." this illustration is overlaid with a plastic sheet with a metallic illustration of a blossoming chrysanthemum flower tucked into the embossed copper colored metallic corners. The card was sent by a family who lived in Squirrel Hill between 1967-1974.

Post-it note (103)

Post-it note with handwritten message in red marker. The note, which is written inside a heart, reads: "We love you guys." Two Stars of David appear on the lower right and center.

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Star of David memorial (Melvin Wax)

Wooden pedestal painted white with white Star of David and red heart affixed to front. Handwritten in pencil and black marker on the Star of David is the name "Melvin Wax." Collaged onto the heart are white pieces of paper and a translation of Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Accompanying image shows all 11 Stars of David in the series.

Park Avenue Synagogue (New York, Ny.) binders with illustrated selections from the "Prayer of Peace"

Two identical binders containing photocopies of handwritten, illustrated selections from the "Prayer of Peace" created by sixth grade students at Park Avenue Synagogue (New York, Ny.). The front cover of each binder reads: "Read Me, A Prayer for Peace, For Tree of Life Synagogue From Park Avenue Synagogue NYC 6th Graders." Each student illustrated a stanza from the "Prayer for Peace," an eighteenth century prayer which was composed by Rabbi Natan Sternharz, a prominent student of the Chasidic leader, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, and is included in the Rabbinical Assembly's prayer book.

For Our Neighbors note

Handwritten note written in black marker on a notepad page with a blue floral banner and medallion in the upper center. The note reads: "For our neighbors...and Jerry. Cliff and Robin." Piece of tape affixed upper center.

Post-it note (068)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads, in Hebrew: "Shalom" (Peace). Signed with a heart.

Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church (San Diego, Ca.) letter (050)

Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Ones [heart symbol], We send you love and share your pain and loss. I wish we could kiss you and make it all better. May God bless you and be with you and comfort you in this tragic time. [Heart symbol] Love, Joci and Jim [last name redacted].

Post-it note (059)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Never Forget. Love is stronger than hate." A Star of David appears in the center.

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (20)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The cover contains a quote attributed to the ancient Chinese philosopher, Confucius: "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall" in the upper left corner. The cover features a full-length illustration of a mountainous landscape with a deer at the center as the sun sets. The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am sorry that someone would ever do that. We're thinking about you all the way in Colorado. I'm a student in middle school. My name is Erin.

"Love One Another" poster

White poster with inscription in black, blue, red, and green marker. Back blank.

Post-it note (091)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Love and solidarity from the Bay Area."

Post-it note (151)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love always triumphs over hate." Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

"Love and Prayers" note

Printed note in black ink on white paper. The note reads: "Love and Prayers for the 11 Slaughtered Innocents. Love Over Hate." A line of interfaith symbols including the Star of David, cross, crescent moon, Om, Kanda, and Dharma wheel appears below. Tearing and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

Post-it note (156)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "Standing with you." Tape marks and color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

The Church at Severn Run card (50)

Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note is enclosed in an envelope with church letterhead, reading: "The Church at Severn Run: Love Well, Live Jesus, Believe Big!" The note inside reads: "God is love, and love never fails." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.

Fountain Valley School (Colorado Springs, Co.) card (6)

Rectangle-shaped card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. Card reads: "Dear members of Tree of Life synagogue. I am an international student from China. I am sorry for your loss and will stand with you. May peace with you and stay stong. Shalom. Warmly, Xiao Chao [last name redacted]." Small Star of David in lower right.

Post-it note (034)

Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "Never again." The signature is illegible.

Holy Angels Parish (Pittsburgh, Pa.) card (53)

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."