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
Letter written in blue ink on lined notebook paper reading: "Dear Jews of Pittsburgh, I am really sorry for you and your losses and hope you feel better soon. Love: Tali, From: Cleveland, Ohio." Illustration of a girl with a large smiling face, long hair adorned with flower or butterfly clip, and a long sleeved dress appears in the lower center.
Folded card with colored pencil illustration. Cover shows a whimsical landscape with a tree, balloon, bushes, rainbow, flower, and a sun. Inside reads: "Stay strong, we're all standing with you. A little hope can go a long way [heart]. Best wishes; this too shall pass". Back cover reads: "2018."
Folded card with marker illustration. Cover features illustration of Star of David inside heart under name "Aden." Interior features illustration of five balloons and words, "We want you to know that you are not alone. Sending warm thoughts and hugs to your community. Beth Chai."
Card addressed to Jerry Rabinowitz, written using personal details from various public sources.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "My heart, my grief, my compassion, and my best wishes are with all of you. Love, Cherlz from L.A."
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."
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.
Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "In this time where hate is prevalent...let's remind each other of how much good there is and teach our children the importance of."
Card with pre-printed message reading, "'Sorry is not a big enough word to express the concern we feel for you." Interior includes handwritten signatures and messages from various members of the staff."
Post-it note with handwritten message with blue marker. The message reads: "Love will always win..."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "Find strength in community today and hope for a better tomorrow." A heart appears between the third and fourth line on the right.
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 on lined notebook paper reading: "Filled with grief- Prayers for peace and justice."
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.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent in memory of Al Hess. The note is printed on a tag with a beige background from a local florist.
Oral history with Hershey Dugan recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th oral history project.
Card addressed to David Rosenthal, written using personal details from various public sources.
Summary: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report listing detours to Port Authority bus routes passing through Squirrel Hill to accommodate crime scene blockades and public vigils in the neighborhood.
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.