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 note written in blue ink on a piece of notebook paper. Message is difficult to read due to low ink level. Pink staining throughout due to color bleeding from other nearby materials at the Wilkins memorial.
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover features the following quote attributed to C.S. Lewis: "Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny. C.S.
Bilingual note written in black ink on lined notebook paper. The message reads in both Hebrew and English: "You are Loved. You are not forgotten." Signed with a Star of David.
Handwritten note in red marker on a piece of brown paper from a family. Dated 10-27-18.
Handwritten note written in black marker on recycled paper. The note reads: "Blessed are those that mourn for they shall be comforted. We grieve with you. Squirrel Hill Neighbors." Tearing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial. The back of the note has the silhouette of a box with two circles on a grey background.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Tree of Life, We are a Junior High small group from PLCPC. We are sorry for your loss. We are praying for the injured and those friends and family of those who died. We will continue to pray as your community continues to heal. Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church San Diego, CA. Mindy, Allison, Ellis, Mike, Logan, Georgia, Ana, Tessa, Sarah, Quinlan."
Weight covered in blue metallic cellophane, gathered and tied at top, affixed to a ceramic base. Gold and silver metallic streamers stem from the center. Tile has dirt on bottom.
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.
Post-it note with handwritten message in red marker. The message reads: "Hate is not welcome here." Tape on the upper edge.
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: "We are sending you so much love- and will stand with you in peace forever- with you in peace. Steve and Bailey."
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The front cover reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live)." The inside reads: "I heard what happened and give my fullest sympathy. I am heartbroken by what happened, and really hope moshiach (the Messiah) will come and you'll be united with your dear ones." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Please know your brothers and sisters in Christ stand with you and offer our sincere condolences. Your roots are embedded in our Christianity. Your roots are strong and your strength will sustain you. In Christ's love, PLCPC San Diego, CA."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "You are loved. You are stronger than hate. Love and more love."
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The note features a quote from Psalm 116:15, reading: "Precious (costly) in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "Share the Love! Free Bouquets!"
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The cover of the card features the following quote: "For every minute you are angry, you lose 60 seconds of happiness." Inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey, I am terribly sorry about the antisemitic attack. It infuriates me that someone could do that. Sincerely, Colton [last name redacted]."
Folded card on white paper. Extensive pink staining in the center. Traces of yellow and pink writing and hand drawn illustrations visible in the upper center and lower left. Dirt stains throughout. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the message on this card is no longer visible.
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. Card reads: "We love you and are thinking of you. May we all see better days ahead. Love, GW Hillel."
Handwritten card in blue and purple marker on paper. The card features a large heart, over a Star David, with the first names of the eleven victims of the October 27 attack. The card reads: "We can't take away the pain, we can only add our love. Love, The Ettingers."
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.