
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Oral history of Nina Butler, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover contains the following quote: "The secret of CHANGE is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new." An illustration of three flowers flanked by trees on either side, and a Star of David, appear below. The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am a 7th grade student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Colorado. I am sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Josie [redacted], Littleton, Colorado." The signature is accompanied by a heart.
Wooden pedestal painted white with white Star of David and red heart affixed to front. Handwritten in pencil and black marker on the Star of David is the name "Melvin Wax." Collaged onto the heart are white pieces of paper and a translation of Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Accompanying image shows all 11 Stars of David in the series.
Handwritten note on the back of a piece of paper with the letterhead of KYW News Radio. The note is very difficult to read due to extensive creasing and fading caused by exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Summary: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review article putting the October 27 attack in the context of other recent gun crimes and hate crimes, including at the Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C. and the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Tree of Life members, You have all been in my heart and prayers this past week. It is impossible to imagine what you all must have experienced, but I would hope that your faith and strong community would be very healing at this time. I am so impressed with the response of your congregation- to just keep going, as the Jewish people have done for thousands of years throughout history.
Handmade card illustrated with assorted hearts of varying sizes. A large red heart appears in the middle, surrounded by smaller hearts in varying colors. Color bleeding and fading due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Invitation to Leah's Bat Mitzvah celebration on Sunday May 27th at the Tree of Life synagogue. Illustrations of a palm tree and a sun appear on either side of the central text. On the back, the sender wrote: "I had the best day of my life in this shul. We will never forget what happened. We will make the world a better place."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "May their memories be a blessing. Love [heart] From Charlotte, NC." Tape on the upper edge.
Post-it note with handwritten message written in black marker. The message reads: "We are always with you. You are not alone. Be strong." A smiley face and heart appear below.
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 student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a leaf with geometric motifs. The back contains a handwritten note, as well as the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
Single-page folded to create four-page booklet. Black text on blue paper. Cover features illustration of number 15 with decorative flowers. Interior includes details of event.
White envelope with a handwritten note in blue ink, reading: "To Our Jewish Friends and Neighbors." Staining, color bleeding, and minor tearing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Small saddle-stitched booklet with large wine stain across cover, 37 pages.
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of the words: "I am here in this moment" with arrows and other geometric motifs. The back contains a handwritten note, as well as a sticker with the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a leaf with geometric motifs. The back contains a handwritten note, as well as the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Tree of Life, I bleed for you and with you. My soul hurts for you. I stand with you in your faith. I pray for healing. Lola. Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church."
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.
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.
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.
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