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
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.
Oral history of Zack Block, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Triangle-shaped card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. The card reads: "Dear members of Tree of Life, I am a Chinese [student] who is now studying in U.S. I am sorry about the situation that happened recently. Personally, I support you, do not be afraid! Peace be with you." Star of David in the upper center, peace sign in the bottom center.
Miniature New York State flag. Wrapped around stem of flag is a slip of laminated yellow paper reading, "In Memory of our Brother DAVID ROSENTHAL z''l -- To his family and community we pray Tanuchamo min hashamayim. May God in Heaven comfort you. The Principals, Teachers, Parents, Alumni, and Students of Magen David Yeshivah. Brooklyn, NY." Part of a series of 11 flags, each dedicated to one of the victims. Additional photograph shows the entire set of 11.
Tri-fold pamphlet with typed text. Cover includes logos for Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence, Ceasefire PA, and Bed the Arc: Jewish Action Pittsburgh. Interior provides statistics about gun violence, information about legislative priorities, and calls for action. Back cover features photograph of Pittsburgh skyline.
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]."
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 has faded due to water damage; the remaining text reads: "Hello we would like to send some thoughts, love, and positivity during this time because you matter." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Love and solidarity from the Bay Area."
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]."
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 message of condolence and a wish for peace, articulated through citations to the Book of Psalms. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "May the peace and love of the Lord bless you all. Our hearts and prayers are with you as you try to understand the WHY of this tragic event. In Christ's love, Beverly [last name redacted] Pt. Loma Community Presbyterian Church 11-5-18."
Basket of synthetic flowers with pink bow. Basket and bow have water damage.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "I was not here, but I live nearby. Had I been home I could have grabbed my baseball bat, and gone after Bowers."
Printed memorial note with the names and ages of the eleven victims of the October 27 attack. Creasing and staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Eight photocopies of an image with the words "You Are Not Alone" printed in a rectangular object resembling a flag with bands, resembling woodgrain backing, on the upper and lower edges. Staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Printed card in black ink on white paper. The card contains a large, empty rectangle outlined in black and reads: "I am thankful for people who help me. Nehemiah builds a wall. Nehemiah 1-6."
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "Love from Cleveland." A Star of David appears below.
Post-it note with handwritten message in green marker. The message reads: "Love Wins [heart]."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter is dated 11/4/18 and reads: "To our people of God. Our prayers of love and support are with you always. The loss of your friends and family is horrible. Our prayers for healing are with you all. God promises in Malachi 4 that 'Goodness will shine like the rising sun and will bring healing.' Take heart. With love, Liliana [last name redacted]."
Handwritten note written on lined notebook paper reading: "Filled with grief- Prayers for peace and justice."
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.