
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Light blue card with cut corners. A schematic illustration in blue pencil appears on the center-right, a scribble-scrabble line in black pencil on the center-bottom. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the message on this card is no longer visible.
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: "God Bless You." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Large square card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. Card on white paper overlaid with a papercut Star of David set on grey background. Card reads: "Dear members of Tree of Life, I am a history teacher to high school students from all over the world at the Fountain Valley School of Colorado. My students and I were horrified to hear about the hateful shocking event at your place of worship. My students have been studying about peace and the flip side- hateful rhetoric. They were motivated to reach out and share their messages of support.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by John [last name redacted]. The tag reads: "For the innocents who[se] lives were taken- Eternal Love." It is signed John [last name and address redacted] of Phillipsburg, North Carolina. The contact information for James Flower and Gift Shoppe is included below. The message is written in black ink on a printed tag with an ombre background resembling a sunset.
Card addressed to David Rosenthal, written using personal details from various public sources.
Floral tag enclosed in white envelope from floral arrangement. The envelope is hand illustrated in blue ink with a tree in the center and has a hole punch in the upper left corner. The tag is addressed to Squirrel Hill and reads: "To the neighborhood that gave me my friends, my craft, my fiancee, my passion, and my livelihood, shine on, love on, heal on, grow and hug, and thrive and be gentle with one another. Heal. Heal. Heal. Love."
White and purple envelope with handwritten inscription in blue ink addressed: "To: The family of Tree of Life." The location of the sender's home, Norfolk, Virginia, is inscribed in the lower left corner. The upper flap on the envelope's reverse is inscribed with the following note: "We are so broken hearted for your loss." Staining and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Summary: The Incline report from first press conference following the October 27 attack. Includes quotes and facts drawn from the comments of several public officials, including Director of Public Safety Wendell Hissrich, Pittsburgh Police Chief Scott Schubert, Gov. Tom Wolf, and others.
Card with a peacock on the front cover. The card reads: "A Catholic who loves all Jewish people! A friend, a neighbor, she loves you."
Copy of the original charter of Tree of Life Congregation. Four-page typescript document with handwritten annotations. Describes purposes of the congregation and names charter members.
Handwritten letter written in black ink on lined notebook paper from Michelle. Michelle is a lifelong Pittsburgher whose mother worked in Squirrel Hill when Sophie Masloff, Pittsburgh's first Jewish and female mayor, was in office. Michelle recalls her mother's pride in serving Masloff. Michelle notes that she is a student at the University of Pittsburgh and currently lives in Squirrel Hill. She apologizes for being "neglectful" of her ties with the Jewish community. She wrote this letter to extend "my very friendly hello" and to communicate her solidarity.
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.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The note is written in Hebrew and English. Translated into English, the message reads: "All of Israel are connected to one another. We are with you!"
Document with reflections, sheet music, and song lyrics, 9 pages.
Laminated printed sign which reads: "Peace, Diversity, and Connection" over a photograph of a sunset on a rocky seashore.
Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of seven children holding hands around a table with a large goblet and loaf of braided bread, and seven doves. The illustration is labeled: "We are people of God's peace." Signed "-Jenna [last name redacted]" in the lower right corner. The inside contains several messages, including: "We love [heart symbol] you... Get well soon!!!!... Get well soon... I'm praying for you...hope you get better...we hope you heal fast...get well soon.
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover features the following quote: "Let your smile change the world but don't let the world change your smile." The inside reads: "Dear Tree of Life Congregation, I am very sorry for the bad news. I am a social studies student in Goddard Middle School. I know the feeling of losing someone, and it must be a very hard time for you guys. just so you know we'll be there for you guys and you'll always be in our thoughts. Sincerely, Evangeline."
Folded card with colored-pencil illustrations. Front features illustration of tree shedding leaves. Interior features sun shining over water and the name "Sarah."
Folded card with colored pencil illustration. Front shows a tree in autumn with grass and falling leaves. Inside reads: "Nobody deserves to go through what you are going through. Best wishes to all. Love [heart] Beth Chai."
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.
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