
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Card with a peace sign, Star of David, and heart illustrated in marker on the front cover. The inside contains a heartfelt message from a Jewish student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl. The student articulates their motivations as follows: "I feel connected to your community in a way I cannot describe. I can only tell you to stand together, and we will stand with you as well..." Some words have faded due to water exposure at the Wilkins memorial.
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a heart with floral and geometric motifs. A handwritten note and signature appear in the lower left and right corners respectively. The back features the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
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.
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.
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The front cover reads: "From Eli [last name redacted] Chicago, Il." The inside reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live), We were all so sad when he heard the news. We all hope very soon there will be tichiat hameitim (resurrection of the dead). My hachlata (resolution) is to look in my siddur (prayer book) while I daven (pray)." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
Printed note in black ink on bright green paper. The note reads: "Hate has no home here. Our hearts are heavy with grief." Tape marks visible on the right and left sides of the note. Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Handwritten letter written in black pencil on pink coloring paper folded in half from the Dillon family. The letter inside is addressed to God, referred to as "Heavenly Father." The Dillon family pray for healing, comfort, and unity. The envelope is addressed to Tree of Life, written in blue pencil.
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a mandala 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."
Typed poem by Sylvan Kametz and Rabbi Jack Riemer titled "We Remember Them." This poem was originally published by the Central Conference of American Rabbis in a 1978 prayerbook pamphlet geared for Reform Jewish mourners. A handwritten note dated 11/4/2018, written in blue ink appears on the upper register. Tearing and staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Note in black ink on cardboard reading: "I do not have much and I have fallen far from the faith but I stand with you. I pray for you. I love you not because of Religion or faith but because we are All Human. - A Mother."
Envelope containing handwritten notes from the first grade religious school class at Congregation Beth Torah in Richardson, Tx. Handwritten text on envelope reads, "Hand delivered with our deepest love and sympathy. From the first grad religious school class. Congregation Beth Torah, Richardson, Texas. May their memories be for a blessing."
Handwritten note in red ink on white paper glued to black paper tag with gold string. The note reads: "Strong Than Hate. RIP."
Letter written on a torn piece of paper. The letter reads: "Olam Chesed Yibaneh (Your steadfast love is confirmed forever). We will build the world with love for you and for all. [Star of David] Shalom Blessings and Love."
Floral tag from floral arrangement addressed to the Congregation and Staff at Tree of Life Synagogue. The message is printed on flower tag from a local florist. Creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Handwritten note and envelope from new residents of Squirrel Hill, formerly of Santa Barbara, Ca.
Post-it note with handwritten message in red marker. The note, which is encased in a large heart, reads: "Remember Always [Star of David]."
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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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