
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
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.
Floral tag from floral arrangement addressed to Jerry sent by Darlene [last name redacted]. The tag reads: "To Jerry, Will always remember your kindness and compassionate bedside manner at SSH [Shadyside Hospital]. Love, Darlene [last name redacted] RN." The note is handwritten in black ink on white paper with a watermark in the lower center.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "May their memories be a blessing." Signed with a heart and a Star of David.
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration a bird's 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."
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.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "When we work together, hate can't win. -Max S."
White posterboard with handwritten message in black marker reading: "Pittsburgh Strong. We Will Never Forget 10-27-18." Staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Clear glass mason jar containing paper butterflies on sticks, rhinestone star wand, and windchime in the form of an angel with message reading "be at peace."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Together we are stronger. T and L."
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."
Envelope containing letters written by members of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The envelope is labeled with a piece of paper reading: "Letters for Tree of Life Synagogue."
Handwritten, folded card written in blue marker on scratch paper. The note, written in bubble letters, reads: "LOVE WINS." Staining and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Folded card with marker illustration. Front and back cover features illustrations of heart superimposed on tree. Interior features illustration of rising sun and words "a chance for a new day" on one side and "You will get through. It will be okay! Jay [last name redacted for privacy" and a smiling face.
Folded card with marker illustrations. Cover features two balloons with text "It's fine we are here with you." Interior features illustration of abstract diamond designs with text, "I'm saddened by the tragic attack on your community in Pittsburgh - and on all Jews. Please know that you are not alone, and have lots of support from good people near and far. L'shalom."
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "Dear friend, I am so joyful that you exist! As the well-loved child of God, you have an infinite worth and deserve so much love. My prayer is that you begin or continue to understand this throughout your life. May your life continue to be blessed. I love you! Love, Your friend from the Church at Severn Run."
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."
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.
Small metal menorah with the word "Shalom" across the front and "Jerusalem" on the base. Original blue and green paint is faded. Menorah has wax drippings on branches.
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.