The Archive | October 27 Archive

The Collection

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.

Using this archive

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.

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Photograph showing selection of archival materials

Post-it note (027)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Blessings of love from Israel."

Prayer for Peace card

Card with the words of the Prayer for Peace handwritten in blank ink on a purple note card on the front and back. The Prayer for Peace is an eighteenth century Chasidic Jewish prayer adopted by liberal Jewish denominations in North America. The note concludes: "In loving memory of Rose Mallinger."

Love photograph with interfaith and secular symbols

Laminated photograph with four hands making the love gesture in sign language and holding religious and secular symbols, including a heart, cross, and Star of David. Two holes punched in the upper right corners with white string forming a handle. Typed message on the back.

The Church at Severn Run card (47)

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 a quote from 1 Peter 4:3 about love and a prayer for God's love. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.

Nat letter

Condolence note from Nat from New York. Staining and lifting due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.

Fountain Valley School (Colorado Springs, Co.) card (1)

Triangle-shaped card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. The card reads: "Dear members of Tree of Life, I am a Chinese [student] who is now studying in U.S. I am sorry about the situation that happened recently. Personally, I support you, do not be afraid! Peace be with you." Star of David in the upper center, peace sign in the bottom center.

Squirrel Hill massacre 'likely the deadliest attack on Jewish community' in U.S. history

Summary: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review report on claim by the Anti-Defamation League that the October 27 attack was 'likely the deadliest' antisemitic incident in American history. Includes a statement from ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt.

"Traveler's Prayer" prayer card

Bilingual, laminated prayer card with the text of the Jewish "Traveler's Prayer" in English and Hebrew. This "Traveler's Prayer" card was purchased an Israeli Judaica website.

[Redacted] family (Miami) card to Wax family

Hardwritten card in blue pen on white paper, offering condolences following the October 27 attack.

The Church at Severn Run card (02)

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."

Park Avenue Synagogue (New York, Ny.) binders with illustrated selections from the "Prayer of Peace"

Two identical binders containing photocopies of handwritten, illustrated selections from the "Prayer of Peace" created by sixth grade students at Park Avenue Synagogue (New York, Ny.). The front cover of each binder reads: "Read Me, A Prayer for Peace, For Tree of Life Synagogue From Park Avenue Synagogue NYC 6th Graders." Each student illustrated a stanza from the "Prayer for Peace," an eighteenth century prayer which was composed by Rabbi Natan Sternharz, a prominent student of the Chasidic leader, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, and is included in the Rabbinical Assembly's prayer book.

University of Pittsburgh/Stronger Than Hate t-shirt

Navy blue cotton t-shirt with white and gold screen-printed lettering. Lettering on front reads, "Pitt/Stronger Than Hate" with a Star of David taking the place of the dot above the letter I in "Pitt."

The Church at Severn Run card (55)

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 condolence and love. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.

The Church at Severn Run card (10)

Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "In light of recent events, I want to send over my condolences and love. I want you to know that this is not who we Christians are. We are not hate- only love. Your community is always and forever in prayers. [Smiley face]."

Goddard Middle School (Littleton, Co.) card (14)

Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover contains the following quote: "All stars are in the dark and darkness dies in the light." The quote is accompanied by two illustrated five-pointed stars. Inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am so sorry for your loss. Just know that people all the way from Colorado support you and are helping you through this. With love -Josh [last name redacted], Littleton, Colorado."

Post-it note (077)

Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "You [underlined] are the beacon of light and hope. Only love can defeat hate. My prayers and love are with you."

Friendship notecard

Condolence note from a family from the Friendship neighborhood in Pittsburgh.

Chris notecard

Note from Chris. Signed in English and Hebrew "Shalom" (peace).

"Hate is not the answer" card

Paper cutout in the shape of Star of David; composed of two triangles painted in gold and blue paint respectively. The star reads: "Hate is not the answer."

Holy Angels Parish (Pittsburgh, Pa.) card (38)

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 reads: "everyone...we wish the best for everyone who was effected. Michael, Holy Angels CCD 6th grade."