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
Oral history with Kathryn Fleisher recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th oral history project.
Nine page packet of typed text. First page includes a photograph looking down at a table with plates of food. Second page includes a photograph of lit candles. Packet provides a guide for conducting a Shabbat service in the aftermath of recent antisemitic and racist attacks. Includes instructions, readings, group exercises, and citations.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Rest In Peace. In your Happy Place Now."
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 "Irving Younger." 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.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "We are here for you [Star of David]."
Summary: WESA profile on alleged perpetrator of the October 27 attack, including background on his social media posts about HIAS. Includes comments from HIAS President Mark Hetfield and from social media platform Gab.
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 affirms the sender's belief that we are all God's children. The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "Hate Only Destroys." A Star of David appears below.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Stronger Than Hate. Rachel [last name redacted]." A Star of David appears in the lower left corner.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The note is written: "Heartbroken with all of you."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "May GOD grant you ALL the grace and mercy our human family can minister and let your faith be a reflection of GOD's LOVE for all of us."
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: "Dear Tree of Life Members, We are all praying for you and your losses. Please join in our prayers for the police officers injured. From Holy Angels CCD."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Friends, we share deeply in your sorrow. Our prayers continue; please feel the strength and love that we send to each of you. With love and prayers, Cynthia [last name redacted]."
Glass vase containing bouquet of synthetic orange, white, and red flowers. Also includes synthetic roses in cellophane. Note with typed text taped to vase. Note reads, "For our dear friend Joyce Fienberg, from [redacted], Green Templeton College, Oxford University, and [redacted]."
Folded card with colored pencil illustration. Cover reads: "Remember that we are here with you" with a heart below. Inside shows an illustration of stick figure surrounded by six hearts. Back reads: "It's fine we're here with you" and features an upright hand.
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.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent in memory of Al Hess. The note is printed on a tag with a beige background from a local florist.
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.
Handwritten note written in blue ink on lined paper from Jessica and Aron [last names redacted] from Ridgewood, NJ. Staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial. The back of the note features advertising for Market Central, one of the largest dining halls on the University of Pittsburgh's campus.
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.