
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
Folded card with marker illustration. Cover shows a Star of David in the center, surrounded by six hearts. Inside features a tree and reads: "May you all be surrounded by love at this difficult time." Back features a Star of David encircled by a heart.
Typed Hebrew letter from a student at Hebrew Academy, a private Jewish day school in Montreal, Quebec. Translated into English, the letter reads: "Dear Rabbi from the Tree of Life Congregation, My name is Hannah [last name redacted]. I am a student at Hebrew Academy of Montreal. I am truly sorry about what happened to your holy synagogue. I hope that this will not happen again. I give [?] all your family and loved ones of your synagogue."
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."
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 words of support and prayers for God's love. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "My thoughts and prayers are with you. Clara [last name redacted]."
Handmade booklet with blue paper on the cover, pink cover on the back, and three pages of white paper inside. Tied together with red ribbon through three hole punches. Extensive color staining and bleeding throughout. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the messages on this card are no longer visible.
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 by John [last name redacted]. The tag reads: "For the innocents who[se] lives were taken- Eternal Love." It is signed John [last name and address redacted] of Phillipsburg, North Carolina. The contact information for James Flower and Gift Shoppe is included below. The message is written in black ink on a printed tag with an ombre background resembling a sunset.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Tree of Life Synagogue, We learned in church today, our Pastor Karla lived in the community where the tragic incident happened last week. We feel even more insight and sorrow for all involved. We want to offer our love, empathy, future blessings and also prayers for every family affected. We grieve for you, we pray for you, we pray for us all to be as one, we love you. Your San Diego friends in Christ from Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church.
Note dated October 27, 2019 reading: "You can count on our prayers. Together we are stronger than hate. The Roman family." Illustration of a young child angel with wings bottom center.
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: "Tree of Life Synagogue, We pray for you. May you have a good recovery and keep close to God. -Elizabeth, Holy Angels CCD."
Wooden pedestal painted white with white Star of David and red heart affixed to front. Handwritten in pencil and black marker on the Star of David is the name "Irving Younger." Collaged onto the heart are white pieces of paper and a translation of Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Accompanying image shows all 11 Stars of David in the series.
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.
Floral tag from floral arrangement, which reads: "We love you, pray for you and stand with you during this time. May God provide with His peace and comfort." The message is printed on a tag from a local florist.
Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The front cover reads: "Faith is the friend that comes along when things just seem to go all wrong." The inside reads: "Please accept our sympathy and prayer at this sad time. Love- Scott, Michelle, Sean, and Jill [last name redacted]."
Oral history of Rabbi Aaron Bisno, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The front cover features a large rose and reads: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 (NIV)." The inside reads: "Blessings and prayers to aid you in healing and the love of God to embrace you and ease the pain. Sally [last name redacted]."
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. Front cover contains the following quote: "Perhaps they are not stars in the sky but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy." Inside reads: "Dear Tree of Life congregation. I am a 7th grade student at Goddard MS and I was saddened to hear what happened at your synagogue and I am truly sorry.
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.