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
Handwritten card in colored pencil on paper. A blue and green colored globe, surrounded by alternating male and female stick figures in purple, red, and yellow, appears in the center. The globe is inscribed: "We are thinking of YOU!!" The upper and lower edge of the card reads, in Hebrew: "Am Yisrael Chai"(the People of Israel live). Four Stars of David appear on either side of the globe. Signed: "Hannah S. 8th grade at Yeshivat Noam."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "We will love, no matter."
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: "Julianna N. I am praying for everyone who died and I am very sorry for everyone who lost their loved ones. But I am happy that you are all in heaven. Many pray[er]s. Holy Angels CCD." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
Black and white reproduction of a photograph originally printed in a newspaper, showing Greek Revival synagogue. Cropped selection from larger image.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black and red marker. The message reads: "If you mess with us. You mess with the entire world." Signed with a heart, colored in red and outlined in black.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "We will be better." Minor staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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.
Six-page document with printed text. Script for "amusement" presented at public event. Provides history of congregation.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "We are shocked that this individual felt he could do such a thing. Who gave him the power to act as God? All our prayers are with your community and faith. Blessings! A sad Presbyterian member!"
Four-page program with readings and song lyrics. Cover features photograph of a grid of memorial candles and lists names of 14 officiants.
Card and envelope featuring hand-drawn image of dove. Message in card expounds upon the biblical association of the dove as a symbol of peace.
Post-it note with abstract illustration in red marker.
Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "We will never forget. Love conquers Hate [heart]."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "Stronger than hate." Illustrated with a peace symbol. Color bleeding and staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Printed note on behalf of Jerry Rabinowitz. The note contains photographic illustrations of a bicycle, fanny pack, and whistle. It reads, in blue letters: "Our Friend Jerry."
Card addressed to Daniel Stein. Cover features a reproduction of a painting by Frank Crosby, a resident of the Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh. The inside contains messages of love and support written by other members of the Emmaus Community.
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "I just want to send God's loving grace to you and your family to help you heal from the terrible act from a lost soul. We pray for you and everyone touched by this action. God Bless."
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "Dear Blessed Children of God, I am praying for you in these extremely difficult days. Know that you are being held in prayer. You are loved. Praying for Peace, Comfort, and a Hedge of Protection around you and your community. With love, A follower of Christ."
Card with pre-printed message reading, "'Sorry is not a big enough word to express the concern we feel for you." Interior includes handwritten signatures and messages from various members of the staff."
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.