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 sent in memory of Al Hess. The note is printed on a tag with a beige background from a local florist.
Laminated printed sign in blue and red ink on white paper. The sign reads: "Only love can conquer hate."
Letter written on a torn piece of paper. The letter reads: "Olam Chesed Yibaneh (Your steadfast love is confirmed forever). We will build the world with love for you and for all. [Star of David] Shalom Blessings and Love."
Envelope addressed to Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of Tree of Life. Front cover of the enclosed Hallmark card features floral imagery and says "Thinking of You." Inside reads: "My only connection to each of you is that of a fellow caring, loving human spirit that has the incredible gift of being able to learn and exist with all other living beings on this Earth. Even though that is my only tie to each of you, it is strong enough to share in your sadness and loss..." Continues on the back: "As a community and as a fellow human. May love always conquer hat and fear.
Handwritten note in pencil on paper. The note, written in bubble letters, reads: "Stronger Than Hate." Illustrated with the adapted Steelers emblem with two diamonds and a Star of David. Creasing and fading due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "Sending Prayers and Love to you. I pray the peace of God will fill your hearts."
Oral history of Wally Caplan, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Post-it note with handwritten message in green ink. The message reads: "We cannot change the past, but we can inspire the future. Let what's happened here be a warning to us all that there is no room for hate anymore."
Large bound volume. Cover features gold writing embossed onto white leather and reads, "Book of Life, New Light Sisterhood, Donated By Mr. and Mrs. Harold Marcus in memory of Herman L. Katz." Interior pages contain handwritten messages in calligraphy.
Summary: KDKA-TV breaking news report on the October 27 attack. Includes updates throughout the day with more info about the shooting and responses from public officials
White synthetic tree with 11 pieces of black lace tied to branches and a rosary tied to top branch. Square base of tree has switch for battery operated power. Attached to front of tree is a greeting card with message from sender.
Diamante poem by Jesse [last name redacted], which was sent with the materials from Emergency Ministry Services, a faith-based training and disaster response NGO in San Juan Capistrano, Ca., affiliated with the Orange County Church on the Rock. A diamante poem is a seven-line unrhymed poem which is shaped like a diamond.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "We love you. You are all so strong." Signed with a heart. Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The message reads: "God's love for the Jews, his people is stronger than the wicked mess of the evil. May the Jews be blessed forever. H. [last name redacted]." Staining and color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Handmade, screen-printed card on pink paper with green paint. An abstract shape, perhaps meant to evoke a broken heart, appears in the center. Signed, lower right: "Love, Brian S." The card has been laminated.
Page of typed text. Includes list of speakers, acknowledgement, and a quote from Coretta Scott King.
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.
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.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent in honor of the congregation at Tree of Life Synagogue. The note is printed on a tag with a beige background from a local florist, Oliver Flower Shop.
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.