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
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by the Manitoba Islamic Association in Canada. The tag reads: "Words cannot begin to express our sorrow at the senseless attack at a house of worship. Please accept our deepest condolences from the Manitoba Islamic Association." The message is printed on a tag from a local florist.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Know that our loving God is with you all- always. Our love is with all of you hoping you can get through this before [?] God- God will [?] love your deep faith. Know we are here in Pt. Loma CA. Feeling your pain."
Floral tag from floral arrangement, which reads: "May they Rest in Peace." The message is written in blue ink on a printed tag with multicolored flowers in the lower right corner. The reverse is stamped with the contact information for Squirrel Hill Flower Shop.
Summary: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report on President Donald Trump's announcement of plans to visit Pittsburgh following the October 27 attack. Includes statements and comments from the president regarding various aspects of the attack.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Members of the Tree of Life Synagogue, Although I am a Presbyterian, I have Jewish ancestors. I was so saddened by the tragedy your congregation has [?]. May you have the blessings of the Lord, and may the ones you have lost rest in peace. William H. [last name redacted] San Diego, CA."
Handwritten card in blue marker expressing condolences and affirming belief in the resilience of the Jewish people. Signed with the phrase "Am Yisrael Chai" (The People of Israel Live).
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "May GOD grant you ALL the grace and mercy our human family can minister and let your faith be a reflection of GOD's LOVE for all of us."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "We feel your loss! We feel your pain! We pray for you and with you!"
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 reads: "In as much as He loved us, I love you." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
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'm sorry for all of the uncalled for events and all of the inconvenience of them. We hope you all feel better and don't worry but keep them in mind. Sincerely, Michaela [last name redacted] from Holy Angels CCD."
Single page, folded. Cover features illustration of sanctuary addition of New Light Congregation synagogue. Interior includes text of invitation in cursive font.
Single page flyer. Backdrop features images of paper dolls holding hands and the image of a lit candle. Text lists date, time, and location of event, biography of speaker, and sponsoring organizations.
Summary: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report summarizing federal and state charges against alleged perpetrator of October 27 attack, including obstruction of excercise of religious beliefs, and use of firearm to commit murder. Includes information about alleged perpetrators social media posts prior to attack.
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.