The October 27 Archive currently contains 1476 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
Folded card on light green paper with hand drawn illustrations in marker and pen. The front cover features a Star of David in black marker filled in with red scribble-scrabble. The inside contains an illustrated portrait of a young girl, labeled "Maya" in both Hebrew and English, wearing a short-sleeve t-shirt with a Star of David. Rainbow colored lines appear above the figure's head.
Handmade card illustrated in pink and blue colored pencil featuring assorted hearts in varying shapes and colors. Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Handwritten card in pink marker on paper. The card contains illustrations of a flower and two hearts and reads: "Simon. May their memory be a blessing." Folded on the sides.
Floral tag addressed to Joyce Fienberg. The tag features a white rose on the left and the stock message: "With Deepest Sympathy" in a band on the upper center.
Printed note on behalf of Jerry Rabinowitz. The note contains photographic illustrations of a bicycle, fanny pack, and whistle. It reads, in blue letters: "Our Friend Jerry."
Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The message reads: "We stand with you, always, with prayer and love."
Post-it note with handwritten message in red marker. The message reads: "We are with you." Illustrated with a heart and a Star of David.
Handwritten note in black marker on white paper. The note reads: "We are with you. We are all Pittsburghers. HATE WILL NEVER WIN." Tearing and staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Together we are stronger. T and L."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The note features an illustration of a heart with the numbers "412" written inside.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Tree of Life Synagogue, 'Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.' Know God's arms are wrapped around your community and the love of all of us are cradling you. Love, Susan [last name redacted], Moderator, Presbytery of San Diego.
Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "Live for those we have lost. Be well. Love from Boston MA."
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 "Bernice Simon." 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.
Six-page document with printed text. Script for "amusement" presented at public event. Provides history of congregation.
Red synthetic flowers with green leaves inserted into a cylindrical piece of synthetic moss. Wrapped in brown textured paper and tied with raffia bow.
Typed bilingual Hebrew and English letter from a student at Hebrew Academy, a private Jewish day school in Montreal, Quebec. In English the letter reads: "Dear Rabbi, I hope all is well. I'm talking to you from Montreal. I heard what happened last week and I want to say we have been saying Tehillim (Psalms) for you guys in Pittsburg[h]. The whole Jewish community is so sad and I want to say that we are really sorry. I hope all the injured will be okay and heal faster. Sincerely, Joshua [last name redacted]."
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.