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
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "May the love and comfort of God, our father, be with you all in this dark hour. We pray for all of you. GOD BLESS You. Margaret [last name redacted]."
Handwritten note in marker on paper. The note contains a quote from Job 14:7, reading: "At least there is HOPE FOR A TREE if it is cut down, it will sprout again, [its] new shoots will not fail."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Dear Ones [heart symbol], We send you love and share your pain and loss. I wish we could kiss you and make it all better. May God bless you and be with you and comfort you in this tragic time. [Heart symbol] Love, Joci and Jim [last name redacted].
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.
Black and white photograph showing the original section of the Tree of Life synagogue located at the corner of Wilkins Avenue and Shady Avenue in Squirrel Hill.
Floral tag from floral arrangement addressed to Rabbi Hazzan Myers at Tree of Life synagogue. The message is printed on flower tag from a local florist. Significant tears due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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]."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "To my Jewish brothers and sisters: I just want you to know that my prayers and love are with you. I cannot imagine your thoughts or emotions, but I am angry and saddened. No matter what I will always be with you. Joel D. San Diego 11/2/18."
Floral tag enclosed in pink envelope from floral arrangement; tape on the lower left front. The tag reads: "You will never be forgotten. Each and every one will live in our memories forever." The note is written in black ink on a printed tag with a floral bouquet in the lower right corner. The reverse is stamped with the contact information for Squirrel Hill Flower Shop.
Handwritten card in green, orange, and red crayon on paper. The card reads, in large bubble letters: "Thinking of you" and illustrated with concentric hearts in red, orange, and green. Signed: "From Meira, West Orange, NJ." Tearing and creasing due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Card made by a student from the George Washington University Hillel. The front cover contains a bilingual Hebrew and English message: "Haverim (friends) in Pittsburgh" with a Star of David below. The inside (from right to left) reads: "Sending love, solidarity, and hope. Our community is the strongest in the world! -Sam, GWU student, Colorado Springs, CO, Temple Beth Torah."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "I think about you constantly. Sending love." The Hebrew acronym, "with the help of heaven," appears in the upper right.
Handwritten note written in blue ink on paper. Dated Saturday November 17, 2018 in the upper right corner. Addressed to the people of Pittsburgh and Tree of Life synagogue.
Letter written in blue ink on lined notebook paper reading: "Dear Jews of Pittsburgh, I am really sorry for you and your losses and hope you feel better soon. Love: Tali, From: Cleveland, Ohio." Illustration of a girl with a large smiling face, long hair adorned with flower or butterfly clip, and a long sleeved dress appears in the lower center.
Card with photograph of flower. Handwritten text on front of envelope reads, "To: Tree of Life in sympathy and solidarity" and back of enveloped reads, "Won't you be my neighbor? Mr. Rogers." Handwritten interior of card expresses love for the Pittsburgh Jewish community and evokes Mr. Roger's: "We are called upon to remember the spirit of Mr. Rogers and love each and every one of our neighbors who make our community so wonderful."
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "Love, Pray, Peace- We [?] all overcame-." It is dated 11/04/18 in the bottom left corner.
Handwritten "Prayer of St. Francis" written in black ink on white paper, glued to cardboard. Warping due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Handmade, screen-printed card on red paper with blue paint. A heart appears in the center. Signed, lower right: "Love, Brian S." The card has been laminated. A piece of clear tape appears on the back.
Card with a peacock on the front cover. The card reads: "A Catholic who loves all Jewish people! A friend, a neighbor, she loves you."
Laminated printed sign which reads: "Peace, Diversity, and Connection" over a photograph of a sunset on a rocky seashore.
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.