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
Floral tag from floral arrangement, which reads: "Friends of fallen victims." Message written in black marker on printed tag with a red rose on the left.
Card addressed to Richard Gottfried. 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.
Folded card with marker illustration. Cover shows a Star of David in the center, surrounded by six hearts. Inside features a tree and reads: "May you all be surrounded by love at this difficult time." Back features a Star of David encircled by a heart.
Single-page folded to create four-page booklet. Black text on blue paper. Cover features illustration of number 15 with decorative flowers. Interior includes details of event.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Our dear brothers and sisters at Tree of Life, You are not alone! I pray that God, our father, will fill you to overflowing with His peace and love as you mourn the loss of your family. May you find comfort in the knowledge that even in this tragedy God is in control and will bring beauty from the ashes. 'My comfort in my suffering in this: Your promise preserves my life.' Psalm 119:50."
Miniature Israeli flag attached to a flat stick. Stick features logo of the Eagles' Wings organization. Hand-drawn in red on stick is a heart and handwritten note reading, "We Christians love the Jews." Rosary with a Miraculous Medal wrapped around stick.
Black and white photograph showing six men sitting on construction equipment in front of building. Label taped onto photograph reads, "Spring 1970: Jules Karpas, Sam Feldman, Bill Weiss, Elkin Avner (designed new sanctuary), Rabbi Pinchus Miller, Pres. Nate Landy."
Oral history of Zack Block, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Oral history with Gemma Del Duca recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th oral history project.
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.
Decal sticker featuring "Stronger Than Hate" symbol with yellow border and the words Pittsburgh Police beneath the City of Pittsburgh crest.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "What is the name of the deep breath I would take over and over for all of us? Call it whatever you want, it is happiness, it is another one of the ways to enter fire. -Mary Oliver."
Paper program booklet with image of light blue sky on the cover. Typed text throughout booklet. Contains introductory remarks from Executive Director Dr. Zipora Gur, agenda for conference with summaries describing each presentation, biographies of presenters, descriptions of exhibits associated with the conference, resource lists, acknowledgements, and evaluation form.
Folded card with marker and colored pencil illustrations. Front and back both feature Stars of David encircled by hearts. Inside shows a tree, labeled "a living tree" signed "from Milo".
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 and prayer. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Wooden pedestal painted white with white Star of David and red heart affixed to front. Handwritten in pencil and black marker on the Star of David is the name "Melvin Wax." Collaged onto the heart are white pieces of paper and a translation of Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Accompanying image shows all 11 Stars of David in the series.
Summary: KDKA-TV report compiling responses to the October 27 attack from public figures including Vice President Mike Pence, President Barack Obama, actor Tom Hanks, the U.S. Holocaust Museum, Israeli officials, President Bill Clinton, and others.
Card with colored pencil and marker illustration. When opened, the card shows a tree in the center with a cross on top of a yellow circle in the center left. It is inscribed with the following message: "The tree of life where more life can come to be bet[t]er" and is signed "Samuel [last name redacted]. Risd TX."
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The front reads: "In our hearts" and shows an illustrated heart. The back reads: "Your Jewish family in D.C. is thinking of you and sending so much love your way. Love, GW Hillel."
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.