Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Handwritten note written in black ink expressing the author's wish that the site of the October 27 attack and its memory become a source of love and strength. Tearing and staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "The 2nd and imp[ortant] commandment is LOVE Your Neighbor. Susan." Tape on the bottom and top left. Tearing and dirt due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Handmade, screen-printed card on red paper with blue paint. A heart appears in the center. Signed, lower right: "Love, Brian S." The card has been laminated. A piece of clear tape appears on the back.
Handwritten card in pink and orange marker on pink paper. The card reads: "Sorry for this tragedy. We love! Adeline." A large, striped, inverted triangle appears below the word "Sorry." Small hearts and peace symbols appear throughout.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "To Members of Tree of Life and your community, We stand with you! I am praying for spiritual and physical healing for those who were injured or affected by the awful act of hatred directed at you. We serve an all-powerful God of mercy and love and I pray that you are comforted knowing that there are many who are lifting prayers on your behalf. May you as a community of faith be encouraged and healed. Pam [last name redacted]."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "Find strength in community today and hope for a better tomorrow." A heart appears between the third and fourth line on the right.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The message reads: "Z"L."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "May their memories be a blessing." Signed in Hebrew: [heart] "Miriam."
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 prayers for healing and comfort. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
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. Due to water exposure at the memorial site, the message in this card has been partially erased. The remaining text inside reads: "...for your loss...[f]or you...Devon from CCD Hol[y] Ange[ls]...[mem]bers of the Tree of life."
Oral history of Rabbi Aaron Bisno, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Black and white photograph showing large group of people in a banquet hall. Label taped onto photograph reads, "1955."
Post-it note with handwritten message with blue marker. The message reads: "May their memories always be a blessing. Sending love." Signed with a heart and a Star of David.
Floral tag from floral arrangement, which reads: "There is no good way to express the grief and horror our community feels. We will continue to mourn with you." The message is written in black ink on a printed tag with multicolored flowers in the lower right corner. The reverse is stamped with the contact information for Squirrel Hill Flower Shop.
Folded card with marker illustration. Cover reads, "You are great the way you are and nothing can stop that no matter what." Interior reads, "I hope you guys feel better. This card is for you and I hope it makes you guys feel better. You guys should be treated the way you are no matter what. Don't let people hurt you. You are stronger than them" and the name "Howard [last name redacted for privacy]." Back cover reads "I wish you the best of luck" with smiling heart.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by Kathryn, Jim, and James. The tag reads: "With love from Kathryn, Jim, and James. May their memory be a blessing." Note is handwritten in black ink on white paper; staining and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "May you all rest in eternal peace. God Bless [heart]."
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.