
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Hand painted, laminated sign with the words: "May their memories be a blessing" in black paint." Eleven yellow candles with orange flames, symbolizing the eleven victims of the October 27 attack, appear below.
Handwritten note written in blue ink on lined paper from Jessica and Aron [last names redacted] from Ridgewood, NJ. Staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial. The back of the note features advertising for Market Central, one of the largest dining halls on the University of Pittsburgh's campus.
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.
Card with polka dots on the cover. The card is addressed "Neighbors" and affirms the three senders' thoughts and prayers for the "victims, family members, and friends at Tree of Life."
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."
Single page with typed text and hand-drawn illustration of an open Torah scroll, Shabbat candles, and a kiddish cup. Text lists details of event and includes quotation from Statement of Principles.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "May the peace and love of the Lord bless you all. Our hearts and prayers are with you as you try to understand the WHY of this tragic event. In Christ's love, Beverly [last name redacted] Pt. Loma Community Presbyterian Church 11-5-18."
Natural red rose preserved in plastic box.
Page of blue typed text over a photograph of Tree of Life synagogue illuminated at night. Photograph shows barrier tape behind large white Stars of David with names of victims on them. Title reads: "Decolonizing Judaism in an Era of White Supremacy: Tree of Life, Travel Bans, and New Concentration Camps."
Flyer with green typed text on green paper. Includes a silhouette graphic of people standing under a tree. Provides information about the location of event and itinerary of activities. Footer includes website and Facebook information for Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence.
Oral history with Hershey Dugan recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th oral history project.
Tri-fold bulletin listing the details of Shabbat services, upcoming community events and resources for those experiencing symptoms of trauma.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by the Alexander family. The tag reads: "Wishing you all peace" followed by two hearts. Message handwritten in blue ink on a printed tag with a red border and a floral bouquet on the lower left.
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The card features a Star of David and reads: "Dear Pittsburgh, I miss you terribly. I miss my home now more then ever. I stand with my city and my Jewish community now and forever. I am sending all my love from DC."
Miniature New York State flag. Wrapped around stem of flag is a slip of laminated yellow paper reading, "In Memory of our Brother JERRY RABINOWITZ z''l -- To his family and community we pray Tanuchamo min hashamayim. May God in Heaven comfort you. The Principals, Teachers, Parents, Alumni, and Students of Magen David Yeshivah. Brooklyn, NY." Part of a series of 11 flags, each dedicated to one of the victims. Additional photograph shows the entire set of 11.
Handwritten note on the back of a piece of paper with the letterhead of KYW News Radio. The note is very difficult to read due to extensive creasing and fading caused by exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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, prayer, and affirmation of God's goodness. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
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.