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
Handmade memorial card in pastel and ink on black paper. The card features a large Star of David, shaded in light and darker blue pastel, with an illuminated candle, in the center. Underneath the star, the card reads: "Never Forget." The names of the eleven October 27 attack victims appear in brown ink in the empty space around the star.
Garland of synthetic white roses, green leaves, and ivy.
Natural red rose preserved in plastic box.
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 prayer and wishes for love and faith in God. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Post-it note with abstract illustration in black marker.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Friends, Words cannot express our sorrow the losses you all have endured. That your community of faith, love, peace was assaulted with such hatred and brokenness-our hearts ache for you all. We stand with you in faith and love in the face of such destruction. We stand with you in prayers for comfort and healing in the midst of your pain. We stand with you as a force for love in a hurting world. The [last name redacted] Family, Lauren, Joel, Kieran, Micah."
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "Sending Prayers and Love to you. I pray the peace of God will fill your hearts."
Printed note in black ink on white paper. The note reads: "Love and Prayers for the 11 Slaughtered Innocents. Love Over Hate." A line of interfaith symbols including the Star of David, cross, crescent moon, Om, Kanda, and Dharma wheel appears below. Tearing and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "We will make the world a better place in the name of your memory."
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "Rest in Peace. Toronto."
Black and white photograph showing four men holding Torah scrolls, alongside fifth man and boy. Label taped to photograph reads, "________, __________, Elovitz brothers, Dr. Weisberg."
Card from a congregant at the Holy Angels Parish. The front cover contains a stock illustration of a haloed dove flying in front of Noah's ark. The inside reads: "We are praying for you. May God guide you through. Love, you[r] friend at Holy Angels." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
Card with abstract images painted and drawn by a young child. The words: "Love on you" appear in large letters inside on the lower left.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated November 4, 2018 and reads: "Dear Friends, May I never understand the anger and the hatred that has been loosed on you in Pittsburgh. May the awful misunderstanding that leads to these feelings in too many others be washed from the face of the Earth. I am ashamed for so many on our planet, whether they murder Jews, Coptics, journalists, or perceived blasphemers. And I am angered by the fomenting of such terror by our leaders and by the silence of our politicians.
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.
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.