
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated November 4, 2018 and reads: "Dear Friends, May I never understand the anger and the hatred that has been loosed on you in Pittsburgh. May the awful misunderstanding that leads to these feelings in too many others be washed from the face of the Earth. I am ashamed for so many on our planet, whether they murder Jews, Coptics, journalists, or perceived blasphemers. And I am angered by the fomenting of such terror by our leaders and by the silence of our politicians.
Single sheet folded to created four-page program. Cover includes title, date and time, logo for African Methodist Episcopal Church, and list of speakers. Interior pages detail elements of the service and include the names of the victims of the October 27 attack. Back page includes acknowledgements and clip art image of hands.
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 addressed to the members of the Tree of Life synagogue. The note is printed on a tag with a beige background from a local florist; tearing in the center right due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The envelope features an illustrated heart. The front cover reads: "Peace" and features a sandy landscape with a blue sky and orange flowers. The inside reads: "May you find peace in God's love; and be able to go forward and heal in his Glory. Ann [last name redacted] St. Peters Episcopal Church Londonderry, NH."
Folded card on pink paper. Blue and yellow staining throughout, particularly around the central crease. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the message on this card is no longer visible.
Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "Shalom" (Peace). Creasing and tearing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Card with illustration of the sun and its rays of light obscured by a large cloud on the front cover with the inscription: "Warm thoughts can make the sun a little brighter, the sky a little bluer, the world a little nicer." The note inside affirms the sender's love and prayers. Concludes: "Know the entire community is here for you."
Pamphlet for the Christian organization, "Guardians of Freedom."
Handwritten note written in blue ink on a lined notecard reading: "Sending all of my sympathy, empathy and love. I don't know what else to say. -Hope [last name redacted]. Brooklyn, New York (Former Pittsburgher)."
Folded card with colored pencil illustration. Front reads: "Kindness" and shows a girl asking "Are you okay"? The back shows a second girl, responding: "Yes, I am okay". Inside reads: "Dear Pittsburg[h], Our hearts go out to you in this sad time. May you find peace, and comfort, and a beacon of hope. Laurie and Michael."
Handwritten card from "Laura" of Monroeville, Pa., expressing solidarity with the Jewish community. Writer identifies as "resident of Monroeville," "Gateway Gator," "breast cancer survivor," and "practicing Catholic."
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 "Melvin Wax." 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.
Handwritten and illustrated card in colored pencil on scratch paper. The card features an illustrated tree and Menorah and includes various messages, including, "Happy Chanukah" and "Love stronger than hate." It is addressed to the rabbi of the congregation. Signed: "Lucky"[last name redacted] "son of" [name redacted].
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Stay strong. Hate cannot win!! Ron [last name redacted]."
Summary: Pittsburgh Current breaking news report on the October 27 attack. Updated throughout the day. Includes interview with neighbor of alleged perpetrator of October 27 attack, report from press conference held by Pittsburgh Director of Public Safety Wendell Hissric, and comments from state and local officials.
Tri-fold bulletin listing the details of Shabbat services, upcoming community events and resources for those experiencing symptoms of trauma.
Oral history of Lauren Bairnsfather, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
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.