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
Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The front cover reads: "Peace" and features a sandy landscape with a blue sky and orange flowers. The inside reads: "May your loved ones be held in the loving arms of God. I pray for your friends and families that they may find peace."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The note is written in Hebrew and English. Translated into English, the message reads: "May God protect you when you leave and when you come. Happy Chanukah!" Signed in English by the Abrin family, followed by a heart.
Black and white photograph showing three women reading from a scroll. Pews and stained glass windows can be seen in the background.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black marker. The message reads: "We are here for you [Star of David]."
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: "Dear Tree of Life members, I'm sorry for all of the uncalled for events and all of the inconvenience of them. We hope you all feel better and don't worry but keep them in mind. Sincerely, Michaela [last name redacted] from Holy Angels CCD."
Typed text on paper with gray background and blue and gold accents and logos for Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh. Text lists speakers and supporters for event.
Oral history of Tracy Baton, recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th Oral History Project.
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover features the following quote: "No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted." An illustration of a rainbow appears below. The inside reads: "Dear Tree of Life Congregation, I am sorry for your loss. I am writing to you from Colorado. I would like you to know people far away care for you. I may not believe in Judaism but I believe your heart is in the right place. Sincerely, Uyen [last name redacted], Littleton, Colorado."
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 reads: "God Bless You." The church's contact information is included on the back of the envelope.
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]."
Folded card on pink paper. A faded Star of David appears on lower right corner. Blue and yellow staining throughout. Due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial, the message on this card is no longer visible.
Letter dated 10/30/18 from a student at the Hadar Institute, an egalitarian Yeshiva and center for Jewish life located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Handwritten card in red marker on paper. The card is signed: "Owen" and contains two illustrated stick figures.
Handwritten letter written in black pencil on pink coloring paper folded in half from the Dillon family. The letter inside is addressed to God, referred to as "Heavenly Father." The Dillon family pray for healing, comfort, and unity. The envelope is addressed to Tree of Life, written in blue pencil.
Oral history with Ira Frank recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th oral history project.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Words can't begin to express the sorrow we have felt and experienced as a church, country and people for the senseless loss and hatred you all have experienced. We pray and hope you feel God's peace, comfort and loss in this time of great sorrow. Love will win. Peace will win. Always. Your sister in God's love..."
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: "I send you all of my sorrowness, and I pray for the victims of the shooting."
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The front cover reads: "Sending our Love." The inside reads: "Lots and lots of love. You are in our thoughts, prayers, AND actions. [Six heart symbols]. Continue being strong [heart symbol]. You are not alone [heart symbol].
Summary: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette report on Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf's order for flags at commonwealth buildings to be lowered to half-staff in memory of the victims of the October 27 attack.
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.