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
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.
Oral history of Nancy Bernstein, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Folded card on pink paper. Burn damage visible in the upper right edge of the card, perhaps due to proximity to an illuminated candle. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the message on this card is no longer visible.
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.
Folded card on green paper. A faded peace sign appears on the front cover flap. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the message on this card is no longer visible.
Typed two-page letter addressed to the Tree of Life synagogue, families of victims, and survivors. Dated Sunday Nov. 18, 2024. Contains tributes from multiple individuals throughout western and central Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Beaver, Elk, and Washington counties, as well as a couple from Pacific Grove, Ca. The second page has since been lost.
Glass vase containing a variety of stone, colored glass, and synthetic red poppy flowers. Included in vase are tags reading, "Dept of NJ American Legion Auxiliary" and "In memoriam."
Handwritten note written in purple marker on white paper reading: "Our prayers and sadness are with you on this tragic day." Signed by the Yu, Kaufmann, and Bernstein families. Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Prayer card with the words of a prayer to be recited every day at high noon. The prayer reads: "O God of mercy, give us peace. Peace in our hearts. Peace in our homes. Peace in our community. Peace in the world." Staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Wreath made of branches with leaves, wire, and small stones. Stones attached with black zip ties.
Card addressed to Rose Mallinger. Cover features a reproduction of a painting by Frank Crosby, a resident of the Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh. The inside contains messages of love and support written by other members of the Emmaus Community.
Eight photocopies of an image with the words "You Are Not Alone" printed in a rectangular object resembling a flag with bands, resembling woodgrain backing, on the upper and lower edges. Staining 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: "God bless you all and your synagogues in this difficult times and may the spirit of the Lord watch over you. [Signature illegible]."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. Tape in the upper left corner. The message reads: "This Temple's response to all this hate is beautiful. Hate is not welcome here or anywhere! My blessings to all."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "My heart aches for all of your community of faith who have suffered such a senseless and tragic loss. Please know that we, who have faith and hope in God, know that you are not alone. We are with you. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. I pray for your peace. Shalom, Sarah."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Tree of Life Synagogue, Our hearts, our minds, our love is with you. We weep with you in this time of deep grief and our thoughts and prayers flow to you and to your entire community. May love and light always prevail, even in these times of unfathomable acts and in the face of overwhelming grief- may we raise ourselves back into the light together. Our hearts are with you. June."
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.