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
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The front cover reads: "Hugs" with asterisks on either side. The inside (from right to left) reads: "Sending you messages of hope, love, and comfort from Washington D.C. Love, Alex. May God be with you and your families."
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.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Love and solidarity from the Bay Area."
Post-it note with handwritten message in red marker. The message reads: "May the survivors and the victims' family have strength fortitude, peace and calm. -Chris F." Tape affixed to the upper edge.
Pittsburgh Penguins hockey jersey with team logo on front and "Crosby 87" on back. Detail shows manufacturer's patch featuring the logo of Tree of Life-Or L'Simcha Congregation and the logo of the Pittsburgh Penguins above the words "Stronger Than Hate."
Program for "Adat Shalom Solidarity Shabbat" including a quotation from George Washington's letter to the Touro Synagogue and prayers by Rabbi Danny Schiff, Alden Solovy and Rabbi Naomi Levy.
Folded card from a student at Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, Co. Cover features a large peace sign. Inside reads: "Dear member of Tree of Life, I am a Chinese student who study in FVS. I heard this bad event this morning. I feel sorry for your lost. We will support you any time. Best wishes, Iihan [last name redacted]." Illustrated with Star of David.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by Sophia and another individual whose name is illegible. The tag is dated 10-29-2018 and reads: "You are in our prayers and thoughts. I'll walk with you in your support." The message is written in black ink on a printed tag with multicolored flowers in the lower right corner. The reverse is stamped with the contact information for Squirrel Hill Flower Shop.
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "May God comfort you today and in the days ahead. I will keep you all in thought and prayer. [?] from Pt Loma P.C."
Summary: Pittsburgh Current breaking news report on the October 27 attack. Updated throughout the day. Includes interview with neighbor of alleged perpetrator of October 27 attack, report from press conference held by Pittsburgh Director of Public Safety Wendell Hissric, and comments from state and local officials.
Black oval patch with yellow border. White text around the perimeter of the oval reads, "14th Annual Ten Commandment and World Faiths Hike" and" 2019 LHC Jewish Committee on Scouting 5780." Within the oval is a Stronger Than Hate symbol, a scouting logo, and the words "Remember, Repair, Together, Peace" in Hebrew, English, and transliterated Hebrew in white and yellow text.
Features seven "chants," mostly taken from Hebrew scripture.
Card with photograph of ribbons laid out in a rainbow pattern. The inside reads: "God bless. Sandy and Cheri."
Floral tag from floral arrangement, which reads: "There is no good way to express the grief and horror our community feels. We will continue to mourn with you." The message is written in black ink on a printed tag with multicolored flowers in the lower right corner. The reverse is stamped with the contact information for Squirrel Hill Flower Shop.
Page of typed text. Header includes a roadway in the outline of a heart, surrounded by people on bikes. Green border around page. Program lists speakers at event. Footer inlcudes logos for Moms Demand Action, Ceasefire PA, and Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence and acknowledgement of several donors.
Blue card with a Star of David filled with flowers outlined in gold and silver ink on the front cover. The inside contains a lengthy, heartfelt letter from a sender identifies themselves as "an angry college student who wants a change" from Pittsburgh.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Recover well." Signed with a Star of David.
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.