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
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: "Julianna N. I am praying for everyone who died and I am very sorry for everyone who lost their loved ones. But I am happy that you are all in heaven. Many pray[er]s. Holy Angels CCD." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "My heart aches for all of your community of faith who have suffered such a senseless and tragic loss. Please know that we, who have faith and hope in God, know that you are not alone. We are with you. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. I pray for your peace. Shalom, Sarah."
Miniature New York State flag. Wrapped around stem of flag is a slip of laminated yellow paper reading, "In Memory of our Brother IRVING YOUNGER 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 blue and red marker. The message reads: "Hate can't drown out hate. Only love can do that [heart]. By, Brandon."
Folded card in the shape of a Star of David from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. Card reads: "Dear members of Tree of Life Synagogue, I am an international student from Japan. I heard sad news at October 27th. I feel so sorry for that. Stay strong, I stand with you. Shalom." Illustrated with a Star of David and Japanese flag lower center.
Card on blue paper with handwritten note and illustrations. The card reads: "From: Luke. We love you!" Six hearts illustrated in brown and pink pencil appear throughout. Creasing, staining, and fading due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
White synthetic tree with 11 pieces of black lace tied to branches and a rosary tied to top branch. Square base of tree has switch for battery operated power. Attached to front of tree is a greeting card with message from sender.
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.
Folded card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. Cover features a large peace sign. Inside reads: "Dear member of Tree of Life, I am a Chinese student who study in FVS. I heard this bad event this morning. I feel sorry for your lost. We will support you any time. Best wishes, Iihan [last name redacted]." Illustrated with Star of David.
Page of typed text. Header includes a roadway in the outline of a heart, surrounded by people on bikes. Green border around page. Program lists speakers at event. Footer inlcudes logos for Moms Demand Action, Ceasefire PA, and Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence and acknowledgement of several donors.
Post-it note with handwritten message in red marker. The note, which is encased in a large heart, reads: "Remember Always [Star of David]."
Handwritten note written in brown marker on green coloring paper reading: "Let there be love and light in this world. Our thoughts are with this community. We send our love, light and peace. C. [last name redacted]."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Thank you for being strong."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Tree of Life Synagogue, Our hearts, our minds, our love is with you. We weep with you in this time of deep grief and our thoughts and prayers flow to you and to your entire community. May love and light always prevail, even in these times of unfathomable acts and in the face of overwhelming grief- may we raise ourselves back into the light together. Our hearts are with you. June."
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.
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.