
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Oral history of Wally Caplan, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
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: "The Tree of Life Members, even though you are going through something tough you will get through it by praying and being with each other. Sincerely, Holy Angels CCD."
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: "We are all God's People. Love and Praise." 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 reads: "You are loved by GOD and by ME. [Signature illegible]." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Post-it note with handwritten message in red marker. The note, which is encased in a large heart, reads: "Remember Always [Star of David]."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Stay strong [underlined]. If we work together hate can't win! [Heart]. [Heart] Pittsburgh [Heart]. - Stella K."
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.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "I am so sorry for the loss in your community. I hope you know there are many in our church and community who support you in your loss with our prayers."
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The cover contains a quote attributed to the ancient Chinese philosopher, Confucius: "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall" in the upper left corner. The cover features a full-length illustration of a mountainous landscape with a deer at the center as the sun sets. The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am sorry that someone would ever do that. We're thinking about you all the way in Colorado. I'm a student in middle school. My name is Erin.
Business card from Art of Steel, Ltd., a gift store located in Pittsburgh's Strip District neighborhood.
Handwritten card in red and green crayon on paper. The card reads: "We love you. Levi" and illustrated with a flower, several hearts, and a mail delivery truck. Color bleeding and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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. Signed "Jack [last name redacted] 5th grade." The inside reads: "God Loves You. We will remember you. Jack Grade 5."
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."
Sympathy card from the staff of Family Medicine Squirrel Hill to the families of the October 27 victims. Pre-printed word "family" is crossed out and replaced with handwritten word "families."
Green envelope with note handwritten in blue ink with the message: "Let steadfast love become your comfort..." Staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Folded card with colored pencil word art. Cover reads: "Have a good day". Interior reads: "Dear all, I'm so sorry to hear what happened there. We as a Beth Chai would like to send our heart to be there together. We believe world will be better. [Last name redacted for privacy] family."
Typed text on paper with gray background and blue and gold accents and logos for Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh. Text lists speakers and supporters for event.
Card with illustrated sunflower. Inscribed in ink with the following message: "Hate cannot break our Steel City." Signed: "equal [=] love [heart] Star of David."
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover features the following quote: "Let your smile change the world but don't let the world change your smile." The inside reads: "Dear Tree of Life Congregation, I am very sorry for the bad news. I am a social studies student in Goddard Middle School. I know the feeling of losing someone, and it must be a very hard time for you guys. just so you know we'll be there for you guys and you'll always be in our thoughts. Sincerely, Evangeline."
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.
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