The October 27 Archive currently contains 1579 objects and is regularly being expanded with more material. The archive includes flyers and programs from community gatherings held since the October 27 attack, a comprehensive collection of news coverage about the day of the event, oral history recordings reflecting a diverse array of experiences, and historical documentation about the Jewish experience in Western Pennsylvania.
You can view all the materials currently included in the archive using the browser below. Each object has been described and cataloged to help you discover materials, learn about these materials, understand the context in which these materials were created, and draw connections between different materials. You can refine the browsing experience using various filters, including creator, type, and subject. Some of these filters have already been used to create preset galleries, each organized around specific aspects of the archive. You can also look for specific words and phrase found in the archive using a keyword search.
Western Pennsylvanians share their life stories and reflect on the impact of an antisemitic attack in a beloved Jewish neighborhood.
Documentation of the October 27 attack as it was unfolding, told through news articles and oral histories.
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – 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: "You Got This" surrounded by a border with a grapevine pattern. The back contains a handwritten note, as well as the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
Poster with handwritten message in pencil reading: "Expressions of Sym[p]athy for Tree of Life. Do not be afraid, I am with you. Isaiah 43:5." A printed image of a tree with many roots appears on the lower left corner.
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 message of love, prayer, and solidarity. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Full color printed program for "The Numbers Keep Changing." Includes artist's statement, reproductions of seven paintings with accompanying poems, photographs of the exhibition opening, and media coverage of the exhibit. Additional images shows painting "El Kiddush Hashem."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear friends, My heart and prayers are with all of you as you process your loss and the events in these past few days. May God's presence and comfort be showered on every one of you. I cannot even begin to imagine... I pray for God's grace and blessings. With love, Cheryl [last name redacted]."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The note is written in Hebrew and English. Translated into English, the message reads: "May God protect you when you leave and when you come. Happy Chanukah!" Signed in English by the Abrin family, followed by a heart.
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 reads: "Dear You, I have so much I could tell you, but what I want to share with you is a feeling. I want you to always feel God's love for you! I know sometimes (many times) God's love feels hidden. Where is love's light in our times of darkness? Two things help me to remember God's love each day. I hope that they can help you too.
Light blue card with cut corners. A schematic illustration in blue pencil appears on the center-right, a scribble-scrabble line in black pencil on the center-bottom. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the message on this card is no longer visible.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Words can't begin to express the sorrow we have felt and experienced as a church, country and people for the senseless loss and hatred you all have experienced. We pray and hope you feel God's peace, comfort and loss in this time of great sorrow. Love will win. Peace will win. Always. Your sister in God's love..."
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 messages of condolence, love, and wishes for strength. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
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 is dated October 28, 2018 and reads: "Dear Friends, Peace to you. May you live in the love, joy, and kindness of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God is on the throne, always. Harry [last name redacted]." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Summary: New York Jewish Week report compiling responses to the October 27 attack from leadership of national Jewish organizations including Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, the Jewish Federations of North America, and the World Jewish Congress.
Rectangular cardboard sign. Front reads, "LOVE They Neighbor" with a heart in purple, green, blue, and read marker. Back includes signatures from the Wolfson children.
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 so sorry for you this is terrible the synagogue was bad. You're in my prayers!! Sincerely, Emma Pack , Holy Angels, Grade 4." Spelling errors corrected for clarity. Color bleeding due to water exposure at the memorial site.
Paper program booklet with image of light blue sky on the cover. Typed text throughout booklet. Contains introductory remarks from Executive Director Dr. Zipora Gur, agenda for conference with summaries describing each presentation, biographies of presenters, descriptions of exhibits associated with the conference, resource lists, acknowledgements, and evaluation form.
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The card reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live): I am very sorry that 11 of 10 people (Jewish) got shot. It's mamash (really) a very big tragedy. I will try to do everything I can to bring moshiach (the Messiah) and t'echias hamaisim (resurrection of the dead). And the cops tried shoot him and catch him but, there was no use. The robber already shot 11 people. Thank g-d they shot him.
Rectangular poster that says "Love one another right NOW" with music notes and pink hearts. Blank back.
Post-it note with handwritten message and illustration in blue and green marker. The message reads: "Nothing is lost on the breath of G-d." An illustration of a dove holding an olive branch against the backdrop of cresting waves or mountains.
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.