
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Summary: WESA report on charges filed against alleged perpetrator of October 27 attack. Includes comments from Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
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 surrounded by hearts. The tree is labeled "Tree of Life" on the branches and "Synagogue" below. The card reads: "Tree of Life, I am so sorry for your loss. We will pray and keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We will continue to pray for you at the nights come. Have a great day! Love, Natalie T. Holy Angels CCD, 6th grade."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Friends at Tree of Life Synagogue, My heart hurts and aches for the tragedy and violence you have seen. I have thought about it many times as I sit in my own church with family and friends. May God wake with you always, ALL ways, may His breath be in yours, may you heal and grow together from this horrible loss. With much love, Katie [last name redacted] from PLCPC.
Cover of bencher (grace after meals booklet) from the bar mitzvah of Nate Itskowitz. Features illustration of a black and yellow sports jersey with the name Itskowitz, a Steelers logo modified to read "Nate" and the date "10-27-18," and Hebrew text listing the event and date.
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a turtle with floral motifs on its shell, feet, and neck. 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 is dated 11/4/2018 and reads: "June [last name redacted] My sincere heartfelt condolences to my Jewish family. This is a really heartfelt and sad time for me as Jews from Philadelphia sponsored me into this beautiful country allowing me to become a permanent resident. I lived with them for 18 months and raised their daughters as her nanny house keeper.
Printed text of the Hebrew poem "Shalom Aleichem," which is traditionally recited on Friday evenings to welcome the Sabbath angels. Translated into English here. Some of the text in the first line of the final stanza has been cut off. Staining and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Card with the words: "My heart is with Squirrel Hill" on the front cover. The message inside is from a life-long Pittsburgh resident with ties to Duquesne University, who writes: "I know that this is a city of incredible love and acceptance, which just makes this tragedy hurt even more."
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."
Sand-colored poster with handwritten message in blue crayon, reading: "Chashmonayim, Israel Stands with Pittsburgh." Staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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 contains prayers for healing and comfort. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "I think this means when there is hate and sorrow be the one who makes happiness and kindness into the world. Simon [last name redacted]."
Folded card with colored pencil illustration. Cover features illustration of heart. Interior reads "We were shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic events in your community. Please accept this token of friendship and caring from a greater community that is in solidarity with you. Beth Chai members Megan and Sylvan [last name redacted for privacy]." Back cover features illustration of rainbow.
Collage with a hand drawn tree in the center; leaves made of multicolored tissue paper. Handwritten messages in black ink and red crayon on either side of the tree.
Folded card with marker illustration. Cover shows two balloons, a heart, and smiley face. Inside reads: "I hope everything gets better. I hope this never happens again. We are here for you." Signed with a heart.
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: "Dear Tree of Life Members, We are all praying for you and your losses. Please join in our prayers for the police officers injured. From Holy Angels CCD."
Note addressed to Jerry Rabinowitz written on the back of a business card from Doug [last name redacted], a certified Pilates instructor in the Pittsburgh area.
Handwritten note written in black marker on recycled paper. The note reads: "Blessed are those that mourn for they shall be comforted. We grieve with you. Squirrel Hill Neighbors." Tearing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial. The back of the note has the silhouette of a box with two circles on a grey background.
Hardwritten card in blue pen on white paper, offering condolences following the October 27 attack.
Oral history of Moshe Baran, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
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.
The materials on this website are being made available exclusively for research purposes. For permission to use any of the materials on this website for any other purpose, please contact the archive. If you are the creator of any of the material on this website, and you would like to provide context or request to have something removed, please contact the archive. If you intend to reference any material found on this website, please attribute all citations to the Rauh Jewish Archives, so that other researchers can easily locate these materials in the future.