
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Oral history with Lenora Dingus recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th oral history project.
Oral history of Anna Coufal, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Summary: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Editor David Shribman shares his personal account of learning about the attack and describes the scene in Squirrel Hill.
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 on white paper. Extensive pink staining in the center. Traces of yellow and pink writing and hand drawn illustrations visible in the upper center and lower left. Dirt stains throughout. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the message on this card is no longer visible.
Page of typed text. Header includes a roadway in the outline of a heart, surrounded by people on bikes. Green border around page. Program lists speakers at event. Footer inlcudes logos for Moms Demand Action, Ceasefire PA, and Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence and acknowledgement of several donors.
Folded card with marker illustrations. Cover reads "Best Wishes." Interior features illustration of smiling sun over water and words "Best Wishes" and name "Harper [last name redacted for privacy]."
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The note is written in Hebrew. Translated into English, it reads: "Be strong, be strong, and may we be strengthened!"
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "As a result of this hate, I'm committing to discovering my Jewish identity and am doing micro-kindness."
Oral history of Victoria Butch, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
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: "Dear Tree of Life members, I'm sorry for all of the uncalled for events and all of the inconvenience of them. We hope you all feel better and don't worry but keep them in mind. Sincerely, Michaela [last name redacted] from Holy Angels CCD."
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by the Alexander family. The tag reads: "Wishing you all peace" followed by two hearts. Message handwritten in blue ink on a printed tag with a red border and a floral bouquet on the lower left.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Know that our loving God is with you all- always. Our love is with all of you hoping you can get through this before [?] God- God will [?] love your deep faith. Know we are here in Pt. Loma CA. Feeling your pain."
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."
Card with colored pencil illustration. Cover features an illustration of a leafy tree with pink asterisk-shaped stars, labeled: "The place where new life can grow." Inside reads: "Baruch dayan ha'emet" in English and Hebrew, and "I am sorry for your friends and families loss. I know what it feels like. So I am sending all the way from Texas this blessing." The back is signed: "Miriam." Spelling errors have been corrected in this transcription.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11/4/18 and reads: "Dear All, Our hearts are crying with you. We feel you[r] pain. We pray you can worship in your house and feel safe. With Halloween just passing, I am reminded of skeletons and the fact they all look the same. We can't tell someone's faith, color, etc. We are all the same- people of God. Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church is with you, supports you, cares for you. Mary [last name redacted] Elementary School Teacher."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Tree of Life Synagogue, 'Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.' Know God's arms are wrapped around your community and the love of all of us are cradling you. Love, Susan [last name redacted], Moderator, Presbytery of San Diego.
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: "I'm praying for everyone that lost a love one. I will pray for everyone that died. Sincerely, Hannah [last name redacted]." Spelling errors corrected for clarity. Color bleeding due to water exposure at the memorial site.
Letter from Rev. Drew Shofner, the lead pastor at The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. Addressed: "TREE OF LIFE."
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "Rest in Peace. Toronto."
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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