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
Card addressed to Richard Gottfried, written using personal details from various public sources.
Drawing in colored pencil on paper. Signed: "Rhea" lower center on the front; illustrated above with four-legged animal, perhaps a dog. Additional colored illustrations appear on the back. Extensive tearing and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial; the drawing is now torn into two pieces.
Unsigned card with handwritten note reading, "So sorry for your loss. Please know that ALL of Pittsburgh is UNITED with you! Much love [two heart symbols]."
Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of seven children holding hands around a table with a large goblet and loaf of braided bread, and seven doves. The illustration is labeled: "We are people of God's peace." The inside reads: "Tree of Life Synagogue, We pray for you. May you have a good recovery and keep close to God. -Elizabeth, Holy Angels CCD."
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. Front cover contains the following quote: "Perhaps they are not stars in the sky but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy." Inside reads: "Dear Tree of Life congregation. I am a 7th grade student at Goddard MS and I was saddened to hear what happened at your synagogue and I am truly sorry.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "To the Tree of Life Community, We are praying for you in San Diego and sending you blessings through this difficult time. God is with you and holding your members who passed in His loving hand. May His light fill your hearts during these dark times and remind you of His love even through the things we cannot explain. Bless you, Gresham." An illustration of a tree filled with hearts appears below.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear friends, My heart and prayers are with all of you as you process your loss and the events in these past few days. May God's presence and comfort be showered on every one of you. I cannot even begin to imagine... I pray for God's grace and blessings. With love, Cheryl [last name redacted]."
Prayer card with reproduction of "The Miraculous Icon" depicting the Virgin and Child. According to the text on the front cover, this prayer card was blessed at mass with holy water and incense. The inside features various recommended prayers for healing and petitions.
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "We send LOVE to you today and always. We are on in the eyes of the Lord. When one hurts, we all hurt. When there is joy for one, there is joy for all. Prayers and blessings to you."
Summary: Jewish Telegraph Agency wire report carried by New York Jewish Week. Includes comments by Joel Rubinfeld comparing and contrasting security protocols at different synagogues and expectations of antisemitic violence in the United States and Europe.
Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of seven children holding hands around a table with a large goblet and loaf of braided bread, and seven doves. The illustration is labeled: "We are people of God's peace." The inside reads: "To Tree of Life members and to Jewish everywhere. Adam and Eve let sin in the world, but God gave us another option, Jesus. But through terrorism nothing ever, will drive us apart from being a religious nation. We are one people if they are any differences we should talk them out.
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover features the following quote attributed to C.S. Lewis: "Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny. C.S.
Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "Love is all you need!" The "o" is written as a heart.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear members and brothers and sisters- May you each know that our prayers are with you. May you find peace through God's love. Sam W. May our God be gracious to you in your time of difficulty beyond difficulty. Our [?] God is yours. David [last name redacted]."
Page of typed text on light blue paper with creas marks. Explains the background and mission of Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence and provides contact information.
Oral history of Tracy Baton, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Summary: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Editor David Shribman shares his personal account of learning about the attack and describes the scene in Squirrel Hill.
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.