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 written in black marker on a notepad page with a blue floral banner and medallion in the upper center. The note reads: "For our neighbors...and Jerry. Cliff and Robin." Piece of tape affixed upper center.
Page of typed text on off-white paper. Features illustration of a lotus blossom. Details speakers at program.
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover contains the following quote: "All stars are in the dark and darkness dies in the light." The quote is accompanied by two illustrated five-pointed stars. Inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, I am so sorry for your loss. Just know that people all the way from Colorado support you and are helping you through this. With love -Josh [last name redacted], Littleton, Colorado."
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The cover of the card features the following quote: "For every minute you are angry, you lose 60 seconds of happiness." Inside reads: "Dear Rabbi Jeffrey, I am terribly sorry about the antisemitic attack. It infuriates me that someone could do that. Sincerely, Colton [last name redacted]."
Post-it note with handwritten message with blue marker. The message reads: "Stronger Than Hate!" Illustrated with a heart and signed: "TR."
Handwritten note in red marker on a piece of brown paper from a family. Dated 10-27-18.
Handwritten letter written in black ink on lined notebook paper from Michelle. Michelle is a lifelong Pittsburgher whose mother worked in Squirrel Hill when Sophie Masloff, Pittsburgh's first Jewish and female mayor, was in office. Michelle recalls her mother's pride in serving Masloff. Michelle notes that she is a student at the University of Pittsburgh and currently lives in Squirrel Hill. She apologizes for being "neglectful" of her ties with the Jewish community. She wrote this letter to extend "my very friendly hello" and to communicate her solidarity.
Print outs with English and Hebrew lyrics from popular Jewish and Israeli artists and poets, including Hannah Szenes (Senesh), Arik Einstein, Matisyahu, and Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. A handwritten note in blue ink reading "May your memory be eternal" appears on the second page.
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.
Notecard with a large heart illustrated in red crayon. Signed: Shani [last name redacted], Philadelphia."
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue ink. The message reads: "Find strength in community today and hope for a better tomorrow." A heart appears between the third and fourth line on the right.
Folded card on light blue paper. The inside features an illustration of a young girl wearing a Star of David t-shirt. The girl is outlined with various scribble scrabble lines in black pen. Smudges of a rainbow appear on upper left side. The front cover features a Star of David outlined in black marker and shaded in purple. Smudging, color bleeding, and staining due to exposure to the elements at the Wilkins memorial.
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: "I'm sorry for your loss. Jayden."
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 card reads: "Tree of Life Synagogue" and contains the following note: "TREE OF LIFE, I am very sorry for your loss. I send prayers that it gets better. I pray for your loved ones. Holy Angels, 6th grade, Brooklynn."
Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The envelope features an illustrated heart. The front cover reads: "Peace" and features a sandy landscape with a blue sky and orange flowers. The inside reads: "I pray you will find love and peace in the everyday actions of people who care for you. We send so much love to you from Londonderry, New Hampshire and beyond. Love and peace, Erin [last name redacted]."
Oral history with Jess Gold recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th oral history project.
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: "May God keep our men and women safe! We are praying 4 u!!!"
Letter from a member of the Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church in San Diego, California. The letter reads: "My thoughts and prayers are with you. Clara [last name redacted]."
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.