The October 27 Archive currently contains 1333 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
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.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "To Members of Tree of Life and your community, We stand with you! I am praying for spiritual and physical healing for those who were injured or affected by the awful act of hatred directed at you. We serve an all-powerful God of mercy and love and I pray that you are comforted knowing that there are many who are lifting prayers on your behalf. May you as a community of faith be encouraged and healed. Pam [last name redacted]."
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 prayer, unity, and love. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Never Forget. Love is stronger than hate." A Star of David appears in the center.
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: "We are all praying for you. None of this should happen. Stay strong."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "My prayers are with you all during this unbelievable time of sadness for all of you in this congregation. I was so touched by the love... a beautiful outpouring of love, that you shared with one another during the vigils. The entire community is praying for all of you, and I hope that you are feeling surrounded by our love and prayers! Praying also for peace in our world! Kirsten, with love and blessings."
Post-it note with handwritten message in red marker. The message reads: "Let love rule."
Condolence card from First Baptist Church, Berkley in Norfolk, Va. Light blue cover with floral pattern inscribed with the stock message: "Thinking of you with extra special care during this time when memories are stirred and the greatness of your loss can't help but felt afresh." Personalized message on the left flap reads: "We are deeply saddened by your loss. Our prayer is that you will feel the peace and comfort of the Lord in this time of need. May your hearts be lifted and unity forever flow.
Handwritten note in black marker which reads: "Love is that which enables choice. Love is always stronger than fear. Always choose on the basis of LOVE." Tearing in left upper corner due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated Nov. 4, 2018 and reads: "Dear Tree of Life Synagogue Members, Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find strength and comfort in your faith and fellowship. Our community prays for yours, with love, The [redacted] Family and Point Loma Comm. Presbyterian Church."
Pink card with a large heart with the words "Rose-Ferree Street misses you" inside.
Red synthetic flowers with green leaves inserted into a cylindrical piece of synthetic moss. Wrapped in brown textured paper and tied with raffia bow.
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 affirms the sender's belief that we are all God's children. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Handwritten card written in pencil, blue and purple crayon, on paper. The note is from a seven year old child [name is illegible]. The note reads: "We won't forget how you spread kindness so we will do the same to the world. Be kind all around." An illustration of a globe appears below. Spelling errors corrected for clarity. Staining and tearing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Typed condolence note with the names of the eleven victims of the October 27 attack listed in alphabetical order.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Please feel our love, our support and our commitment to peace in this world. Our church community holds you and your congregation in our hearts. Susan [last name redacted]
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.