
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
White posterboard with an illustration of the Pittsburgh skyline and various handwritten messages. The names and ages of the eleven victims of the October 27 attack appear on the left, followed by the acronym "RIP" (Rest in Peace). The inscription, "You can't break a city made of steel," appears in the upper center. The words, "Pittsburgh is are (our) city," appears below with an arrow pointing to an illustration of one of Pittsburgh's iconic yellow bridges; "Never forget 10-27-18" appears underneath.
Handwritten card in pink marker on paper. The card contains illustrations of a flower and two hearts and reads: "Simon. May their memory be a blessing." Folded on the sides.
Handwritten letter expressing sympathy and messages of goodwill from various lay members of the San Dieguito United Methodist Church in Encinitas, California. Last names redacted for privacy.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "We wish you peace and love from NY. The Brodys."
Handwritten letter in crayon from the [last name redacted] family. Rolled into a scroll and tied with a rainbow called string. The letter features a quote, beginning with the question: "Did I offer peace today," from the Dutch-Catholic priest, Henri Nouwen.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "From strength to strength [Star of David]. With you from KBH and all of Virginia Beach."
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.
Drawing in colored pencil on paper. Signed: "Rhea" lower center on the front; illustrated above with four-legged animal, perhaps a dog. Additional colored illustrations appear on the back. Extensive tearing and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial; the drawing is now torn into two pieces.
Handwritten note written in blue marker on lined notepad paper from Christian Lacroix reading: "We love you, Cecil. May God comfort you and all the innocent people who died here." A white sticker with a red heart appears below.
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.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by L.F., which reads: "To my Hebrew family- I'm so sorry for your loss. There are no words. But the strength that you have shown is what we need. Stay strong. We are all here with you. L.F. [heart]." The message is written in black ink on a printed tag; a Star of David appears in the upper left corner.
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 "Joyce Fienberg." 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.
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a flower with petals, leaves, and geometric patterns. The back contains a handwritten note, featuring a quote from the British historian, Richard Evans, 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: "From Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church, San Diego. Dear members of Tree of Life synagogue, Our hearts ache for your loss and we pray that God will give you peace and hope. We also pray that as a nation and as people of God, we can overcome this senseless hatred. We love you, Judy [last name redacted]."
Note addressed to Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz reading: "Rest in Peace Dr. Rabinowitz. Sue [last name redacted]. Shalom."
Rectangular poster that says "Love one another right NOW" with music notes and pink hearts. Blank back.
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.
Large square card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. Card reads: "Dear members of Tree of Life synagogue, My name is Shi Dao [last name redacted]. I'm from a city in North-East China. I am sorry this tragedy happened. My deepest condolences. May peace be with you. Nov. 5, 2018. From a Chinese in Colorado."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Blessings of love from Israel."
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.