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
Handwritten note in black marker on white paper. The note reads: "We are with you. We are all Pittsburghers. HATE WILL NEVER WIN." Tearing and staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Stay strong. Hate cannot win!! Ron [last name redacted]."
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.
Envelope containing letters written by members of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The envelope is labeled with a piece of paper reading: "Letters for Tree of Life Synagogue."
Summary: KDKA-TV report naming the alleged perpetrator of the October 27 attack. Includes list of federal charges.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "As a result of this hate, I'm committing to discovering my Jewish identity and am doing micro-kindness."
Card on pink paper with hand drawn illustrations and handwritten note. Written in a child's handwriting, the card reads: "We love you" in the upper center and is signed "Hannah" in the lower center. Various red outlined hearts with blue, red, and green shading appear on the left; a stick figure appears on the right.
Notecard with message written in ink. The note reads: "Dear Hate- There is NO ROOM for you in our city! Love and FAITH will overcome!" Signed with four hearts in the lower right.
Post-it note with handwritten message in black and red marker. The message reads: "God bless all people of Pittsburgh. Our hearts are with you. [Heart]."
Two-sided sheet of printed text. Front contains an open letter to the Jewish community of Pittsburgh from the members of the Vaad Harabonim. Back contains a day-long schedule of classes and programs, as well as the names of the victims of the October 27 attack.
Handmade card in colored marker on paper. The front of the card features the word: "LOVE" in bubble letters; the letter "o" has been replaced with a large Star of David. Several smaller hearts and a multi-colored asterisk appear throughout. Signed, upper left: "Rylee Love." The back is signed, twice: "Love Rylee" in orange and purple marker, respectively. The card has been laminated.
Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The envelope contains the following handwritten message: "Peace and Comfort." The front cover reads: "LOVE." The inside reads: "Dear Family in God, There are not any adequate words to express the horror of what happened to you in your synagogue. May the love of God and those near and far begin to heal the hurt of your losses. Our heartfelt love and prayers are with you in fellowship. Peace and comfort to you.
Post-it note with handwritten message in red marker. The message reads: "99.9999999% of Americans are good and caring people!" Tape on the upper edge.
Note addressed to the victims and neighbors of the October 27 attack.
Summary: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review report identifying one of the Tree of Life survivors as Daniel Leger, a member of Congregation Dor Hadash.
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].
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.
Note from a member of The Church at Severn Run in Severn, Maryland. The note reads: "Please do not stop your worship. Continue to pray for the people who really need it. Pray for those who need love. I love you so please do not stop worshipping or [be] scared to worship. Don't let the hate change your lifestyle. [Smiley face]."
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.
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.