
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Black and white photograph showing two young women standing before the iron gates of a synagogue. Label taped onto photograph reads, "Bess & Rose Velgich in front of Oir Chodosh 1945." Original photograph has pinked edges and dried tape.
Glass, blue stone and blue handwritten post-it-note. The post-it-note reads: "God help these families and community. 'Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.' (1 Samuel 7:12). Raise an Ebenezer in Pittsburgh. RIP 11 lovely souls." The back reads: "The Ebenezer is the stone of help."
Tri-fold pamphlet with typed text. Cover includes logos for Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence, Ceasefire PA, and Bed the Arc: Jewish Action Pittsburgh. Interior provides statistics about gun violence, information about legislative priorities, and calls for action. Back cover features photograph of Pittsburgh skyline.
Oral history of Kathy Blee, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Bilingual, laminated prayer card with the text of the Jewish "Traveler's Prayer" in English and Hebrew. This "Traveler's Prayer" card was purchased an Israeli Judaica website.
Typed letter from a student at Hebrew Academy, a private Jewish day school in Montreal, Quebec. The letter reads: "Dear Rabbi, My name is Joelle. I'm 10 years old. I live in Montreal. I go to Hebrew Academy, a private school. I'm sorry to hear that there was a shooting. I feel so bad. It doesn't matter what religion you are, you have to respect other[s] just the same way you have to respect Hashem (God). We should always know that we are stronger than hate. So bad things can't happen we have to faith and emunah (trust) in Hashem. I feel so bad. From: Joelle. P.S.
Envelope and floral tag with ribbon addressed to Marty and Robert. The tag features an illustration of an owl with mushrooms and other fauna growing out of its head. The inside contains a note to Marty and Robert, whom the sender is thankful did not attend synagogue on the morning of October 27.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by L.F., which reads: "To my Hebrew family- I'm so sorry for your loss. There are no words. But the strength that you have shown is what we need. Stay strong. We are all here with you. L.F. [heart]." The message is written in black ink on a printed tag; a Star of David appears in the upper left corner.
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a butterfly with geometric motifs. The back contains a handwritten note, as well as the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Synagogue, Being God's chosen often includes incredible sacrifice. Too often you are chosen to be the sacrifice for us all. Thank you and bless you, [name illegible]."
Card from a student at West Allegheny Middle School in Imperial, Pa. The front features a hand-colored illustration of a pineapple with floral and geometric motifs. The back contains a handwritten note, as well as a sticker with the stock signature: "From your friends at West Allegheny Middle School."
Handwritten note written in blue marker on lined notepad paper from Christian Lacroix reading: "We love you, Cecil. May God comfort you and all the innocent people who died here." A white sticker with a red heart appears below.
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover contains the following quote attributed to Hubert H. Humphrey: "The greatest gift of life is friendship and I have received it. Quote is accompanied by Star of David and a heart. Signed: "By Jace S." The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am a student from Colorado and I heard about the news and I am sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Jace [last name redacted], Goddard Middle School." Back reads: "Friends never say goodbye."
Bilingual note written in black ink on lined notebook paper. The message reads in both Hebrew and English: "You are Loved. You are not forgotten." Signed with a Star of David.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The message reads: "You are so strong. Thank you for being so strong in the face of evil. Please be more Jewish. We must show our community's great life in the wake of antisemitism. That is the best revenge. Growth. Love. Life."
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.
Handwritten note written in blue ink on paper. Dated Saturday November 17, 2018 in the upper right corner. Addressed to the people of Pittsburgh and Tree of Life synagogue.
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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