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
Handwritten card in red marker on paper. The card reads: "We are so sorry. We love you. Owen and Lily." Two stick figures appear below.
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The front cover reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live)." The inside reads: "I heard what happened and give my fullest sympathy. I am heartbroken by what happened, and really hope moshiach (the Messiah) will come and you'll be united with your dear ones." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
Glass vase containing a variety of stone, colored glass, and synthetic red poppy flowers. Included in vase are tags reading, "Dept of NJ American Legion Auxiliary" and "In memoriam."
Hardwritten card in blue pen on white paper, offering condolences following the October 27 attack.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "What is the name of the deep breath I would take over and over for all of us? Call it whatever you want, it is happiness, it is another one of the ways to enter fire. -Mary Oliver."
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.
Single sheet folded in half. Contains photocopy of two pages from the "Readings: Prelude to Kaddish" section of the Kol Haneshamah Shabbat Vehagim prayerbook. One side contains the poem "Each Of Us Has a Name" in English and Hebrew. Other side contains "In Many Houses" by Diane Cole and "To open eyes when others close them" by Emmanuel Eydoux.
Pamphlet for the Christian organization, "Guardians of Freedom."
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 is dated Nov. 4, 2018 and reads: "Tree of Life, I give thanks daily to Yahweh, Father Abraham, Moses, and Jesus! We are all one with you, bonding with you, suffering with you, and healing with you! God help us all daily to Love, Joy, and Peace! Please let our pastor Karla Shaw know how we can help further! Shalom, Larry A. [last name redacted] Semper Fi America! San Diego, California."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The note features an illustration of a heart with the numbers "412" written inside.
Card addressed to Daniel Stein. Cover features a reproduction of a painting by Frank Crosby, a resident of the Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh. The inside contains messages of love and support written by other members of the Emmaus Community.
Printed paper square with the "Stronger Than Hate" emblem. Lamination has started to separate from the paper, as well as color loss, due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Post-it note with handwritten message in red marker. The message reads: "Love Wins. Love and prayers from York, AA. T.B.I."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Please know your brothers and sisters in Christ stand with you and offer our sincere condolences. Your roots are embedded in our Christianity. Your roots are strong and your strength will sustain you. In Christ's love, PLCPC San Diego, CA."
Natural red rose preserved in plastic box.
Oral history of Rabbi Elisar Admon, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
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 love and support. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The front reads: "In our hearts" and shows an illustrated heart. The back reads: "Your Jewish family in D.C. is thinking of you and sending so much love your way. Love, GW Hillel."
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.