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
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.
Envelope and card from administrators and affiliated staff at The Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking at Elizabethtown College. Envelope is inscribed: "Tree of Life" and illustrated with a Star of David and heart. Card features an illustration of peacock feathers on the front. Card reads: "Elizabethtown College's Center for Global Understanding and Peacemaking shares our concerns and prayers for your community at this most difficult time.
Typed two-page letter addressed to the Tree of Life synagogue, families of victims, and survivors. Dated Sunday Nov. 4, 2018. The letter includes tributes from multiple individuals throughout western and central Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Beaver, Elk, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
Oral history of Leslie Aizenman, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Laminated printed signs in blue and green ink on paper. The signs urge the reader to "Show solidarity" and "stand up for our common values, today tomorrow and always." An illustration of three stylized people raising their hands appears in the upper center, surrounded by the words: "Kindness, Respect, Courage."
Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "In this time where hate is prevalent...let's remind each other of how much good there is and teach our children the importance of."
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."
Video of "An Act of Valor" event held at the Heinz History Center, featuring October 27 attack survivors Dan Leger and Tim Matson and Rauh Jewish Archives Director Eric Lidji.
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.
One-page flyer with typed text in multiple colors. Lists featured scholars and presenters for conference. Footer contains logos of sponsoring organizations.
Small metal menorah with the word "Shalom" across the front and "Jerusalem" on the base. Original blue and green paint is faded. Menorah has wax drippings on branches.
Summary: Tribune Review High School Sports Network report on the cancellation of the Pittsburgh City League football championship following the attack.
Floral tag from floral arrangement, which reads: "With Love from our Family to Yours [heart]." The note is written in black marker on rectangular piece of wrapping paper with brown and red stripes.
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: "I'm sorry for your loss. Jayden."
Summary: The Incline breaking news report on October 27 attack, updated throughout the day. Includes timeline of the attack, early details about victims and alleged perpetrator, reports about upcoming vigils, and information about Tree of Life Congregation.
Handmade card in colored pencil on paper. The outside features a series of staples running down the side and two hole punches. Cream-colored yarn is tied in a bow around the left-hand hole. From right to left, the inside reads, in Hebrew: "Zachor" (remember) and "Love, Cat Dog. Me and family are so sorry." Assorted hearts appear on the right flap; a group of multicolored blocks with a heart-shaped cat or dog face on top appears on the left. The back is signed, on the lower center: "From Aviva and Shosie."
Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The message reads: "We love you and we're with you."
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The note is written: "Heartbroken with all of 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 contains messages of love and support. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Letter written on a torn piece of paper. The letter reads: "Olam Chesed Yibaneh (Your steadfast love is confirmed forever). We will build the world with love for you and for all. [Star of David] Shalom Blessings and Love."
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.