
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Summary: Associated Press wire report carried by WESA on increased security presence at synagogues and other houses of worship following the October 27 attack.
Folded card with marker illustration. Cover reads "Stella." Interior reads, "We at Beth Chai Congregation offer our deepest condolences. Wishing full healing to the wounded and peace to those who loves the victims" with two decorative hearts and a Star of David and the name Oona [last name and other personal information redacted for privacy] Md. Back cover features a collage of balloons, cats, and stickers, and the word "LOVE."
Tri-fold bulletin listing the details of Shabbat services, upcoming community events and resources for those experiencing symptoms of trauma.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "We are stronger together!!" Signed: "Arielle."
Summary: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review profile of the Squirrel Hill neighborhood and its response to the October 27 attack. Includes interviews with local residents and businesses-owners.
Summary: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report on initial condition of survivors of the October 27 attack, including both worshippers and police officers. Report spefically identifies Daniel Leger and describes other survivors.
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a bird feather with floral and geometric motifs. The back contains a handwritten note, as well as the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
Yellow card with extensive red staining. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the message on this card is no longer visible.
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The front cover reads: "Sending our Love." The inside reads: "Lots and lots of love. You are in our thoughts, prayers, AND actions. [Six heart symbols]. Continue being strong [heart symbol]. You are not alone [heart symbol].
Photocopied legal document. Typed with embossed seal and some handwritten annotations, 12 pages.
Post-it note with handwritten message in pink marker. The message reads: "Our hearts cry with yours for shalom." Signed with a heart, cross, and Star of David.
Cylindrical white ceramic vase containing two bouquets of blue synthetic hydrangeas. Vase is cracked down one side from top.
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 member. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Holy Angels\CCD. Jason [last name redacted]." Due to water exposure at the memorial site, the ink on this card has partially lifted.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Yes, we miss you with our hearts, Jerry." Signature illegible.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The note is written in Hebrew and English. Translated into English, the message reads: "All of Israel are connected to one another. We are with you!"
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. Due to water exposure at the memorial site, the message in this card has been partially erased. The remaining text reads: "everyone...we wish the best for everyone who was effected. Michael, Holy Angels CCD 6th grade."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Our dear brothers and sisters at Tree of Life, You are not alone! I pray that God, our father, will fill you to overflowing with His peace and love as you mourn the loss of your family. May you find comfort in the knowledge that even in this tragedy God is in control and will bring beauty from the ashes. 'My comfort in my suffering in this: Your promise preserves my life.' Psalm 119:50."
Folded card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. Cover features a large peace sign. Inside reads: "Dear member of Tree of Life, I am a Chinese student who study in FVS. I heard this bad event this morning. I feel sorry for your lost. We will support you any time. Best wishes, Iihan [last name redacted]." Illustrated with Star of David.
Handwritten card in pencil on paper. The front of the card reads: "L'chaim" (to life) in Hebrew. It is illustrated with a Menorah. Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The front cover reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live)." The inside reads: "I heard what happened and give my fullest sympathy. I am heartbroken by what happened, and really hope moshiach (the Messiah) will come and you'll be united with your dear ones." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
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.