
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
Hardwritten card in blue pen on white paper, offering condolences following the October 27 attack.
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The front cover contains an illustrated heart. The inside reads: "We stand with you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With love, Leah and Molly from GW."
Handwritten card in red marker on paper. The card is signed: "Owen" and contains two illustrated stick figures.
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 messages of condolence and prayer. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Magazine cutting with sparrow sitting on a tree branch on the front cover with the stock quote "dreamy, melancholic variations." Printed poem below and above the quote. Tear marks on the upper edge. Image of three women in long peasant skirts standing on a wooden floor around an illuminated candle.
Black and white photograph showing three women reading from a scroll. Pews and stained glass windows can be seen in the background.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "We are thinking of you and hope you may find peace during this tough. You and your families are in our thoughts. I know God is thinking of you and will keep you protected in his hands while you go through this. It is not fair and we won't understand why this happens. It is terrible and God doesn't give us more than we can handle but it sure feels that way sometime. Just keep peace in your heart and forgiveness for this senseless act.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by Daniel Mulhall, the Irish ambassador to the United States, on behalf of the people of Ireland. The note is printed on a tag with a beige background from a local florist.
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "God bless you all and your synagogues in this difficult times and may the spirit of the Lord watch over you. [Signature illegible]."
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 blessings and affirmations of love. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Note addressed to Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz reading: "Rest in Peace Dr. Rabinowitz. Sue [last name redacted]. Shalom."
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 a peace sign, Star of David, and heart illustrated in marker on the front cover. The inside contains a heartfelt message from a Jewish student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl. The student articulates their motivations as follows: "I feel connected to your community in a way I cannot describe. I can only tell you to stand together, and we will stand with you as well..." Some words have faded due to water exposure at the Wilkins memorial.
Post-it note with handwritten message and illustrations in green, blue, red, and black marker. The message reads: "He watching over Israel slumbers not nor sleeps." An illustration of houses on a hilltop with a river, trees, heart, and a moon and stars above, appears around the text.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "On the street where I lived many years ago. I remember it with calm and safety. May this spot once again, one day, be a place of comfort and peace for my Jewish community and all people."
Handwritten sympathy note written in blue ink on paper from Nelson [last name redacted], a resident of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Nelson extends his sympathy to Pittsburgh and its Jewish community in particular.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Tree of Life Synagogue, 'Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.' Know God's arms are wrapped around your community and the love of all of us are cradling you. Love, Susan [last name redacted], Moderator, Presbytery of San Diego.
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.
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.