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
Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The envelope contains the handwritten inscription: "God Bless" [heart]. The front cover reads: "Faith is the friend that comes along when things just seem to go all wrong." The inside reads: "My mother and I were so saddened when we heard of the tragedy that occurred. It seems unthinkable that a human being could behave in such a deplorable manner. My mother and I are keeping everyone and their families in our hearts, minds and prayers.
Note in black ink on cardboard reading: "I do not have much and I have fallen far from the faith but I stand with you. I pray for you. I love you not because of Religion or faith but because we are All Human. - A Mother."
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: "Dear Tree of Life members, I am keeping you and all of the others affected by this tragedy. My deepest sympathy, Molly [last name redacted] Holy Angels CCD."
Handwritten note on coloring book paper. The front side features the outlines of two horses, colored in with assorted colored pencils. The note reads: "God be with you all. Love Gemma and Giovina [last name redacted]. 4 year olds." The back features the outlines of a leopard perched in a tree with a squirrel.
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: "Dear Tree of Life member. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Holy Angels\CCD. Jason [last name redacted]." Due to water exposure at the memorial site, the ink on this card has partially lifted.
Pink card with a large heart with the words "Rose-Ferree Street misses you" inside.
Folded card on white paper. Extensive dirt staining. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the message on this card is no longer visible.
Letter dated 10/30/18 from a student at the Hadar Institute, an egalitarian Yeshiva and center for Jewish life located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Folded card on light blue paper. Extensive creasing and blue and yellow staining. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the message on this card is no longer visible.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent in honor of the congregation at Tree of Life Synagogue. The note is printed on a tag with a beige background from a local florist, Oliver Flower Shop.
Pamphlet for the Christian organization, "Guardians of Freedom."
Handwritten card written in pencil on paper. The card reads: "Dear Family, Hello my name is Elisha D. I am from Netivot, we stand together with you because a loss for you is a loss for us. May you only see simchas."
Folded card with marker illustrations. Cover reads "Best Wishes." Interior features illustration of smiling sun over water and words "Best Wishes" and name "Harper [last name redacted for privacy]."
Summary: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette breaking news report on the October 27 attack, updated throughout the day as events unfolded. Lists charges filed against alleged perpetrator. Includes map of the Tree of Life building, pinpointing locations of key moments of the attack. Also includes accounts from people who witnessed aspects of the attack.
Single page with typed text. Text lists order of Friday evening service, including page numbers and readings with instructions for cantor.
Folded card with crayon illustration. Cover features brown abstract shape. Interior reads, "From Luke, I feel sorry for you. The bad guy is in jail. I still feel sorry. To synagogue people." Back features illustration of tree under a peace sign.
Black and white photograph showing four men holding Torah scrolls, alongside fifth man and boy. Label taped to photograph reads, "________, __________, Elovitz brothers, Dr. Weisberg."
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.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "When we work together, hate can't win. -Max S."
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.