
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Floral tag from floral arrangement addressed to the members of the Tree of Life synagogue. The note is printed on a tag with a beige background from a local florist; tearing in the center right due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Zine page with bubble letters and information about the emotional value of hugs. Zine page with cartoons illustrating the emotional value of hugs, including a superhero, labeled "Hugs to the Rescue" and a young couple.
Oral history of Kathy Blee, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Handwritten card in red marker on paper. The card reads: "We are so sorry. We love you. Owen and Lily." Two stick figures appear below.
Summary: Pittsburgh Current report on havdalah vigil held at the corner of Forbes and Murray avenues in Squirrel Hill, organized by students from Allderdice High School.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "I'm praying for these holy souls, may God shine His light upon them!"
Handwritten letter written in green ink on white coloring paper, folded in half, from Lizzie, age twenty. Addressed to Lizzie's community in Pittsburgh. Lizzie explains her impulse to write this letter: "I'm not sure how to put this in words, but I do know that I have the urge to send something." Lizzie identifies herself as Jewish in her card. Tearing in upper center may be due to exposure to the elements sustained at the Wilkins memorial.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your congregation during this most difficult time. We here in San Diego pray for your healing. Jeanie."
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover features the following quote: "No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted." An illustration of a rainbow appears below. The inside reads: "Dear Tree of Life Congregation, I am sorry for your loss. I am writing to you from Colorado. I would like you to know people far away care for you. I may not believe in Judaism but I believe your heart is in the right place. Sincerely, Uyen [last name redacted], Littleton, Colorado."
Folded card on pink paper. Blue and yellow staining throughout, particularly around the central crease. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the message on this card is no longer visible.
Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of a haloed dove flying in front of Noah's ark. The card reads: "Tree of Life Synagogue" and contains the following note: "TREE OF LIFE, I am very sorry for your loss. I send prayers that it gets better. I pray for your loved ones. Holy Angels, 6th grade, Brooklynn."
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover contains the following quote attributed to Hubert H. Humphrey: "The greatest gift of life is friendship and I have received it. Quote is accompanied by Star of David and a heart. Signed: "By Jace S." The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am a student from Colorado and I heard about the news and I am sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Jace [last name redacted], Goddard Middle School." Back reads: "Friends never say goodbye."
Tri-fold pamphlet with typed text. Cover includes logos for Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence, Ceasefire PA, and Bed the Arc: Jewish Action Pittsburgh. Interior provides statistics about gun violence, information about legislative priorities, and calls for action. Back cover features photograph of Pittsburgh skyline.
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 a hand drawn illustration in red marker. An abstract heart appears in the lower center.
"I voted" sticker with the "Stronger Than Hate" emblem on an orange background. The sticker includes the logo of the local printing company, Raff Printing, Inc. on the lower right. Dirt and other materials on the adhesive back due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Black and white photograph showing two young women standing before the iron gates of a synagogue. Label taped onto photograph reads, "Bess & Rose Velgich in front of Oir Chodosh 1945." Original photograph has pinked edges and dried tape.
Card with illustrated sunflower. Inscribed in ink with the following message: "Hate cannot break our Steel City." Signed: "equal [=] love [heart] Star of David."
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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