
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
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The note is written in Hebrew. Translated into English, it reads: "Blessed is the true judge." Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Summary: KDKA-TV report on Squirrel Hill residents' response to October 27 attack.
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "Dear friend, I am so joyful that you exist! As the well-loved child of God, you have an infinite worth and deserve so much love. My prayer is that you begin or continue to understand this throughout your life. May your life continue to be blessed. I love you! Love, Your friend from the Church at Severn Run."
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.
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".
Card with mosaic pattern evoking a flame on the front cover. The inside contains a note of sympathy from the board and staff of Mazon, as well information about the organization
Double-sided letter. The front features a letter written in blue ink on a white background. The letter is addressed to the families and friends of the October 27 attack victims, the three congregations that gathered to pray at the Tree of Life synagogue, the people of Squirrel Hill, the people of Pittsburgh, as well as all citizens of the world. The addressees are listed in six respective hearts in the upper center. The hearts are surrounded by the branches of two trees which frame either side of the letter.
Card with colored pencil illustration. Cover features an illustration of a leafy tree with pink asterisk-shaped stars, labeled: "The place where new life can grow." Inside reads: "Baruch dayan ha'emet" in English and Hebrew, and "I am sorry for your friends and families loss. I know what it feels like. So I am sending all the way from Texas this blessing." The back is signed: "Miriam." Spelling errors have been corrected in this transcription.
Folded card on yellow paper with handwritten message in black marker. The front cover reads: "My thoughts and prayers are with you and the Jewish community through these tough times that you and all Pittsburgh people are going through right now."
Printed note in black ink on white paper. The note reads, in capital letters: "Your Christian brothers and sisters are praying with you." Tearing and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Handwritten note written in black marker on recycled paper. The note reads: "Blessed are those that mourn for they shall be comforted. We grieve with you. Squirrel Hill Neighbors." Tearing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial. The back of the note has the silhouette of a box with two circles on a grey background.
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The front of the card reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live)." The inside reads: "I have [heard] about the terrible news that happened and I feel very very bad for you. I hope moshiach (the Messiah) should come now so we could join with them now!!!" Multiple stars of David and smiley faces are integrated into the text of this card. Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
Folded card on red paper. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the message on this card is no longer visible.
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. Front cover features a quote attributed to the fictional Sesame Street character, Cookie Monster: "Sometimes me think, what is friend? And then me say, friend is someone to share the last cookie with." Illustration of a smiling face with a long nose and blond hair appears below. Signed: "Fernando." The inside reads: "Dear Congregation, I am sorry for your losses. We are here for you all the way from Colorado. Sincerely, Fernando Littleton, CO." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
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 reads: The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope. "Our hearts are burdened by what happened in Pittsburgh. We know that we serve the same G-d and the G-d of the Old and New Testaments does not call us to violence each other. We pray for healing in Pittsburgh, in synagogues throughout America and for love from all churches.
Envelope containing letters written by members of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The envelope is labeled with a piece of paper reading: "Letters for Tree of Life Synagogue."
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The front cover reads: "Sending our Love." The inside reads: "Lots and lots of love. You are in our thoughts, prayers, AND actions. [Six heart symbols]. Continue being strong [heart symbol]. You are not alone [heart symbol].
Page of typed text. Includes list of speakers, acknowledgement, and a quote from Coretta Scott King.
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.
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.