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
Oral history with Gemma Del Duca recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th oral history project.
Handwritten note written in blue ink on lined paper from Jessica and Aron [last names redacted] from Ridgewood, NJ. Staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial. The back of the note features advertising for Market Central, one of the largest dining halls on the University of Pittsburgh's campus.
Wreath made of branches with leaves, wire, and small stones. Stones attached with black zip ties.
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.
Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The envelope contains the following handwritten message: "With love, and healing thoughts-." The front cover says: "LOVE." The card inside is dated November 1, 2018 and reads: "Dear Congregation- My heart is filled with pain for you. We send you our love, and our hope for healing. Bruce [last name redacted] St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Londonderry, NH."
White button with black text and safety pin on back, Design features tree with branches forming a Star of David. Text above design reads, "#pittsburghstrong."
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.
Folded card with marker illustration. Cover shows a Star of David in the center, surrounded by six hearts. Inside features a tree and reads: "May you all be surrounded by love at this difficult time." Back features a Star of David encircled by a heart.
Miniature New York State flag. Wrapped around stem of flag is a slip of laminated yellow paper reading, "In Memory of our Brother JERRY RABINOWITZ z''l -- To his family and community we pray Tanuchamo min hashamayim. May God in Heaven comfort you. The Principals, Teachers, Parents, Alumni, and Students of Magen David Yeshivah. Brooklyn, NY." Part of a series of 11 flags, each dedicated to one of the victims. Additional photograph shows the entire set of 11.
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.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "Love is stronger than hate." Signed with a heart.
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."
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "Share the Love! Free Bouquets!"
Oral history of Kathy Blee, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Card with the words: "My heart is with Squirrel Hill" on the front cover. The message inside is from a life-long Pittsburgh resident with ties to Duquesne University, who writes: "I know that this is a city of incredible love and acceptance, which just makes this tragedy hurt even more."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "Stronger than hate." Illustrated with a peace symbol. Color bleeding and staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Black and white sticker with the word "LOVE" in large capital letters.
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. Features a bilingual Hebrew and English message and reads: "Am Yisroel Chai (The People of Israel live) forever and ever. NEVER FORGET IT!!!"
Summary: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review report identifying one of the Tree of Life survivors as Daniel Leger, a member of Congregation Dor Hadash.
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.