
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Handwritten note written in black, pink, and red marker on the back of page from a Staples calendar. The note contains quotes from Ecclesiastes and the South African Jewish philosopher, David Benatar. The quotes articulate the philosophical perspective, championed by Benatar, that procreation is not ethical.
Summary: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review report interviewing Squirrel Hill residents and local religious leaders about the October 27 attack. Includes comments from Bishop David Zubik of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh.
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.
Folded card with marker illustration. Cover features illustration of Star of David inside heart under name "Aden." Interior features illustration of five balloons and words, "We want you to know that you are not alone. Sending warm thoughts and hugs to your community. Beth Chai."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "You are loved. You are stronger than hate. Love and more love."
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: "Dear friends: Praying for God's perfect peace and be with you and comfort you in this time of sorrow. Sincerely, Bob [last name redacted]. P.S. Even in this sadness, I believe God will bring good." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover contains the following quote attributed to Hubert H. Humphrey: "The greatest gift of life is friendship and I have received it. Quote is accompanied by Star of David and a heart. Signed: "By Jace S." The inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am a student from Colorado and I heard about the news and I am sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Jace [last name redacted], Goddard Middle School." Back reads: "Friends never say goodbye."
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The front cover contains an illustrated heart. The inside reads: "We stand with you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With love, Leah and Molly from GW."
White ceramic vase (Lenox Poppy Vase) with gold trim at bottom rim and flower pattern. Vase contains stalks of wheat and dried lotus pods bound together with a strip of fabric. Fabric has an autumn harvest theme. Attached to the lotus pod are a not bound in fabric and a wooden heart. Note includes the names of the 11 victims and the message, "Our deepest sympathies to your family, friends, and the Tree of Life community. Our hearts are broken, but our strength is strong. Hate will not win. [Redacted] Denniston and Hastings." Vase has dirt and cobwebs around bottom.
17-page speech, typescript with handwritten annotations. Provides a brief history of Tree of Life Congregation and reflects on the mission and values of the congregation at its centennial.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Hello, Dear Friends- I am a visitor at this church today- as the wife of a Catholic with a Jewish son-in-law and a nephew who lives on Squirrel Hill Ave- I just had to send some Presbyterian prayers as you grieve and recover. We are all the Family of God! Love and blessings- Mary Ellen [last name redacted]."
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."
Engraved aluminum medallion attached to gray ribbon. Medallion features engraving of Pittsburgh skyline, bordered by design resembling bridges and the words "Stronger Than Hate." Accompanying card provides context for medallion against a yellow and white gradient with black text. Includes quotation from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Folded card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. Cover features a large peace sign. Inside reads: "Dear member of Tree of Life, I am a Chinese student who study in FVS. I heard this bad event this morning. I feel sorry for your lost. We will support you any time. Best wishes, Iihan [last name redacted]." Illustrated with Star of David.
Card addressed to Richard Gottfried, written using personal details from various public sources.
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 blue marker. The note is written in Hebrew and English. Translated into English, the message reads: "May God protect you when you leave and when you come. Happy Chanukah!" Signed in English by the Abrin family, followed by a heart.
Summary: Pittsburgh Current report on havdalah vigil held at the corner of Forbes and Murray avenues in Squirrel Hill, organized by students from Allderdice High School.
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.
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.