
Primary Type – Cards
Secondary Type - Cards
Language – Cards
Creator – Cards
Date – Cards
Group – Cards
Location – Cards
Event – Cards
Typed two-page letter addressed to the Tree of Life synagogue, families of victims, and survivors. Dated Sunday Nov. 4, 2018. The letter includes tributes from multiple individuals throughout western and central Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Beaver, Elk, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
Card addressed to the victims of the October 27 attack and their families. Writer expresses belief that people in Pittsburgh would have died to protect victims from harm.
Typed poem by Sylvan Kametz and Rabbi Jack Riemer titled "We Remember Them." This poem was originally published by the Central Conference of American Rabbis in a 1978 prayerbook pamphlet geared for Reform Jewish mourners. A handwritten note dated 11/4/2018, written in blue ink appears on the upper register. Tearing and staining 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 reads: "May the peace and love of the Lord bless you all. Our hearts and prayers are with you as you try to understand the WHY of this tragic event. In Christ's love, Beverly [last name redacted] Pt. Loma Community Presbyterian Church 11-5-18."
White ceramic vase (Lenox Poppy Vase) with gold trim at bottom rim and flower pattern. Vase contains stalks of wheat and dried lotus pods bound together with a strip of fabric. Fabric has an autumn harvest theme. Attached to the lotus pod are a not bound in fabric and a wooden heart. Note includes the names of the 11 victims and the message, "Our deepest sympathies to your family, friends, and the Tree of Life community. Our hearts are broken, but our strength is strong. Hate will not win. [Redacted] Denniston and Hastings." Vase has dirt and cobwebs around bottom.
Floral tag from floral arrangement addressed to Tree of Life synagogue. The message is printed on a tag from a local florist.
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: "We are praying you. We don't deserve this [heart symbol]. Nicole [heart symbol]."
Card from the Friendship Circle of Illinois. The card reads: "Baruch [redacted]. To the Jewish community of Pittsburgh sheyichyu (may they live), I'm so sorry about what happened. I am going to bring and wash my hands in the morning in honor of all those people who passed away." A smiley face with a yarmulke (skullcap) with Hebrew letters appears below. The Hebrew acronym "B"H" (Bless God/Thank God) appears in the upper right. Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by the Lambe, Platt, and Sprague families. Message is handwritten in blue ink on a printed tag with a white rose on the left edge.
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: "Even in dark times there's still hope! I'm praying for you ALL! From Holy Angels CCD." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
Floral tag from floral arrangement sent by Michelle. The tag reads: "Shalom! Love, Michelle." The message is written in black marker on a printed tag with a green background and floral motifs.
Post-it note with handwritten message in blue marker. The message reads: "Stronger Than Hate. Rachel [last name redacted]." A Star of David appears in the lower left corner.
Black and white reproduction of an illustration originally printed in a newspaper, showing synagogue. Cropped selection from larger image.
Post-it note with a hand drawn illustration in red marker. An abstract heart appears in the lower center.
Handwritten card from a student at Goddard Middle School in Littleton, Co. The front cover reads: "I am sorry" and features a large heart below. It is signed: "By D'mitri." The inside reads: "Dear survivors of the synagogue shooting, I AM sorry FOR your LOSS. This note is from D'mitri [last name redacted]. I live in Colorado."
Summary: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review report with link to Facebook Live video from a press conference where public officials provide updates about the October 27 attack.
Oral history with Ira Frank recorded as part of the Meanings of October 27th oral history project.
Large bound volume. Cover features gold writing embossed onto white leather and reads, "Book of Life, New Light Sisterhood, Donated By Mr. and Mrs. Harold Marcus in memory of Herman L. Katz." Interior pages contain handwritten messages in calligraphy.
Hallmark card from a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Londonderry, New Hampshire. The envelope contains the following handwritten message: "With love, and healing thoughts-." The front cover says: "LOVE." The card inside is dated November 1, 2018 and reads: "Dear Congregation- My heart is filled with pain for you. We send you our love, and our hope for healing. Bruce [last name redacted] St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Londonderry, NH."
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. Due to water exposure at the memorial site, the message in this card has been partially erased. The remaining text reads: "[?] of Life members... praying for you. Sorry for you[r] loss. [G]od bless you! Love and prayers, Holy Angels CCD." Spelling errors corrected for clarity.
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.
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