
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of the words: "Keep Going" surrounded by arrows, stars, and leaves. A handwritten note appears below. The back contains an additional handwritten note, as well as the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The front of the card features an illustration of 770 Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, Ny., the international headquarters of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. The inside reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live), I'm very sad to hear about the tragic passing of the eleven yidden (Jews) who were so brutally murdered al kiddush Hashem (sanctified by God). I hope there will be no more bad things that happen.
Business card from Reverend John Shaver of San Dieguito Methodist Church in Encinitas, Ca.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The message reads: "The strength of your Jewish community is inspiring. From NYC to Pittsburgh, we love you." Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Typed note from the members and friends of First Presbyterian Church in Jamestown, Ny. The text of Psalm 23 appears below. Extensive staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Black and white photograph showing two young women standing before the iron gates of a synagogue. Label taped onto photograph reads, "Bess & Rose Velgich in front of Oir Chodosh 1945." Original photograph has pinked edges and dried tape.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "We love you. You are all so strong." Signed with a heart. Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Page of blue typed text over a photograph of Tree of Life synagogue illuminated at night. Photograph shows barrier tape behind large white Stars of David with names of victims on them. Title reads: "Decolonizing Judaism in an Era of White Supremacy: Tree of Life, Travel Bans, and New Concentration Camps."
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 with colored pencil illustration. Front reads: "Kindness" and shows a girl asking "Are you okay"? The back shows a second girl, responding: "Yes, I am okay". Inside reads: "Dear Pittsburg[h], Our hearts go out to you in this sad time. May you find peace, and comfort, and a beacon of hope. Laurie and Michael."
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "With you in strength and heartbreak and love that remembers all that you are."
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads, in Hebrew and English: "Rest in Peace." Signed by Rabbi Fred Pomerantz.
Folded card with marker illustration. Cover features illustration of tree with ladder. Interior reads, "We are with you at this sorrowful time. The Beth Chai Congregation of Greater Washington." Back cover reads "I hope you feel better. P.S. We will donate $ to you" with two five-pointed stars.
Oral history with Hershey Dugan recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th oral history project.
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "Please do not stop your worship. Continue to pray for the people who really need it. Pray for those who need love. I love you so please do not stop worshipping or [be] scared to worship. Don't let the hate change your lifestyle. [Smiley face]."
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.
Floral tag enclosed in pink envelope from floral arrangement; tape on the lower left front. The tag reads: "You will never be forgotten. Each and every one will live in our memories forever." The note is written in black ink on a printed tag with a floral bouquet in the lower right corner. The reverse is stamped with the contact information for Squirrel Hill Flower Shop.
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 sorry for your loss. Jayden."
Card addressed to Cecil Rosenthal, written using personal details from various public sources.
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.