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
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "We are here for you [Star of David]."
Black and white photograph showing large group of people in a banquet hall. Label taped onto photograph reads, "1955."
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 support, love, and prayer. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "Love will always win! Don't lose hope. -Gabi Z.-"
Miniature New York State flag. Wrapped around stem of flag is a slip of laminated yellow paper reading, "In Memory of our Brother DAVID ROSENTHAL z''l -- To his family and community we pray Tanuchamo min hashamayim. May God in Heaven comfort you. The Principals, Teachers, Parents, Alumni, and Students of Magen David Yeshivah. Brooklyn, NY." Part of a series of 11 flags, each dedicated to one of the victims. Additional photograph shows the entire set of 11.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The message reads: "God's love for the Jews, his people is stronger than the wicked mess of the evil. May the Jews be blessed forever. H. [last name redacted]." Staining and color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Members of the Tree of Life Synagogue, Although I am a Presbyterian, I have Jewish ancestors. I was so saddened by the tragedy your congregation has [?]. May you have the blessings of the Lord, and may the ones you have lost rest in peace. William H. [last name redacted] San Diego, CA."
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.
Letter dated 10/30/18 from a student at the Hadar Institute, an egalitarian Yeshiva and center for Jewish life located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
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.
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 friend, Greetings and peace be with you today. I thank God for the opportunity to write to you this morning. I just wanted to let you know that I am committed to praying for you and serving our communities together. The world is full of broken people. Some of these broken people have caused unimaginable pain. To you my Jewish friends.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "R.I.P. Dr. Rabinowitz."
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.
Summary: Collection of social media posts, compiled by The Incline, from local and national figures responding to the October 27 attack. Includes comments from President Donald Trump, Mayor Bill Peduto, Sen. Jay Costa, Sen. Bob Casey, Sen. Pat Toomey, Rep. Mike Doyle, and former President Barack Obama.
Handwritten letter from a student at Hebrew Academy, a private Jewish day school in Montreal, Quebec. The letter reads: "Dear Rabbi, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope it does not happen again. Refua Shleima (speedy recovery). I hope that everyone is comfortable and safe. Ahava Montreal ha [Hebrew Academy] 4A.
Picket sign made from rigid foam insulation covered in red, white, blue, and green duct tape and affixed to the top of a wooden dowl. Design features a globe inside a red cross, symbolizing medical care, beneath the words "Heal the World" and "Tikkun Olam."
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: "Sorry for what happen on Saturday. I prayed for you. Love, Holy Angels CCD." 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.
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: "Tree of Life, I'm sorry that your synagogue has lost many lives on Saturday morning. You are all in my prayers. With love, Maeve [last name redacted] 6th Grade."
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.
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.