
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Handwritten note on the back of a piece of paper with the letterhead of KYW News Radio. The note is very difficult to read due to extensive creasing and fading caused by exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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: "We are here and praying in your time of need."
Printed translation of Psalm 43, according to the English Standard Version (ESV) translation. The person who printed this psalm included a personal, typed note below reading: "Tears are prayers too. They travel to God when we can't speak."
Double-sided letter. The front features a letter written in blue ink on a white background. The letter is addressed to the families and friends of the October 27 attack victims, the three congregations that gathered to pray at the Tree of Life synagogue, the people of Squirrel Hill, the people of Pittsburgh, as well as all citizens of the world. The addressees are listed in six respective hearts in the upper center. The hearts are surrounded by the branches of two trees which frame either side of the letter.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Members of the Tree of Life Synagogue, Although I am a Presbyterian, I have Jewish ancestors. I was so saddened by the tragedy your congregation has [?]. May you have the blessings of the Lord, and may the ones you have lost rest in peace. William H. [last name redacted] San Diego, CA."
Business card from Reverend John Shaver of San Dieguito Methodist Church in Encinitas, Ca.
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]."
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 "Sylvan 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.
Handwritten card in colored pencil on paper. A blue and green colored globe, surrounded by alternating male and female stick figures in purple, red, and yellow, appears in the center. The globe is inscribed: "We are thinking of YOU!!" The upper and lower edge of the card reads, in Hebrew: "Am Yisrael Chai"(the People of Israel live). Four Stars of David appear on either side of the globe. Signed: "Hannah S. 8th grade at Yeshivat Noam."
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The front cover reads: "To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live)." The inside reads: "I heard what happened and give my fullest sympathy. I am heartbroken by what happened, and really hope moshiach (the Messiah) will come and you'll be united with your dear ones." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
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.
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.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black ink. The message reads: "Am Yisrael Chai!" Translated into English, this means: "The People of Israel live!" Color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. Card reads: "We love you and are thinking of you. May we all see better days ahead. Love, GW Hillel."
Page of typed text, printed front and back. Includes a silhouette graphic of people standing under a tree. Lists participants in event. Footer includes logos for Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence and Ceasefire PA.
Program for a memorial service at Beth Israel Congregation in Washington, Pa. Shows an illustration of the synagogue and lists speakers for the evening.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "We love [heart] Tree of Life." Staining and color bleeding due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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.