Shawn Brokos

Security Update

By Shawn Brokos / Friday, November 8, 2024 / 0 Comments

The two defendants in the hate crime conspiracy to deface Chabad of Squirrel Hill and Jewish Federation had their preliminary hearing on Wednesday. The judge ordered that they remain on ankle monitors.

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Security Update

By Shawn Brokos / Friday, November 1, 2024 / 0 Comments

Two individuals were arrested Wednesday morning by the FBI for federal hate crimes and criminal conspiracy relative to the targeted antisemitic graffiti at Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation on July 29, 2024. Parts of the investigation are still ongoing.

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Security Update

By Shawn Brokos / Friday, October 11, 2024 / 0 Comments

The planned “Week of Rage” that called for anti-Israel protest activity is close to an end. We had several protests throughout the Oakland area and a few minor incidents of vandalism. We are not aware of any credible intelligence reporting indicating a threat to the region. However, remaining vigilant and situationally aware is essential.

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Security Update

By Shawn Brokos / Wednesday, October 2, 2024 / 0 Comments

Shana Tovah! Wishing you a happy, healthy, sweet New Year. Please be aware we are closely monitoring the attacks by Iran in Israel and potential ramifications.

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Security Update

By Shawn Brokos / Friday, September 27, 2024 / 0 Comments

Social media reports are showing that October 7–11 has been deemed a nationwide “Week of Rage—1 Year of Genocide For For Gaza We Rise” during which students across the country and the world will “rise together for a week of rage to mark a year of genocide in Gaza.” This could impact college and university law enforcement partners and security operations on or near college campuses.

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Security Update

By Shawn Brokos / Friday, September 20, 2024 / 0 Comments

On Friday, Sept. 13, a resident of Squirrel Hill was arrested after trying to enter the Carriage House under the influence of a controlled substance. Please know that this conduct is not at all related to the Jewish community, it is the criminal activity of an isolated individual who is now in custody.

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Security Update

By Shawn Brokos / Friday, September 13, 2024 / 0 Comments

The preliminary hearing for the defendant accused of attacking two Pitt Jewish students last Friday evening on their way to Shabbat services has been postponed due to an ongoing psychological evaluation.

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Security Update

By Shawn Brokos / Friday, September 6, 2024 / 0 Comments

The investigation is ongoing into the attack of two Jewish Pitt students last Friday evening. The defendant has been charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest and recklessly endangering another person. Additionally, we are actively monitoring a planned nationwide day of action by the National Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), as announced on the National SJP X/Twitter account. The day of action is scheduled for September 12, 2024.

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Security Update

By Shawn Brokos / Friday, August 30, 2024 / 0 Comments

The FBI warned that Iran-based cyber actors continue to exploit US and foreign organizations, targeting sectors across the US to include education, finance, healthcare, local government agencies and defense. Outside of the US, affected countries include Israel, Azerbaijan, and UAE.

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Local Jewish Organizations Awarded $567,400 in Federal Non-Profit Security Grants

By Shawn Brokos / Friday, August 30, 2024 / 0 Comments

Congratulations to four of our local Jewish organizations for being awarded the federal Non-Profit Security Grant totaling $567,400.

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Security Update

By Shawn Brokos / Friday, August 23, 2024 / 0 Comments

Investigation continues to progress positively into the threatening targeted antisemitic graffiti at Chabad of Squirrel Hill, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and two Squirrel Hill residences. Please know that there are no known threats of violence at this time related to this.

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Security Update

By Shawn Brokos / Friday, August 16, 2024 / 0 Comments

This week, the Jewish Federation of Pittsburgh, and a coalition of four local rabbis filed a legal challenge to a petition filed last week seeking to place a question on the upcoming ballot to amend the Pittsburgh City Home Rule Charter in response to a recently submitted petition for a referendum on the Pittsburgh City ballot.

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Security Update

By Shawn Brokos / Friday, August 9, 2024 / 0 Comments

We are working closely with our university public safety departments as we anticipate anti-Israel protests with the return of students to local college campuses.

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Security Update

By Shawn Brokos / Friday, August 2, 2024 / 0 Comments

On Monday, Chabad of Squirrel Hill, the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and two Squirrel Hill residences were targeted with threatening antisemitic graffiti. Local, state and federal law enforcement are actively investigating. Please know that there are no known threats of violence at this time.

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Security Update

By Shawn Brokos / Friday, July 26, 2024 / 0 Comments

On Tuesday, July 23, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) security grant opened offering a possibility of $10M in grants to secure houses of worship and nonprofits that are vulnerable to hate crimes and terrorist attacks.

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Security Update

By Shawn Brokos / Friday, July 19, 2024 / 0 Comments

As we approach back to school, student safety is paramount. Please consider joining our free Countering Active Threat and Defensive Tactics Training on Thursday, July 25 from 6-9 PM at the JCC in Squirrel Hill led by Dave Wright from Wright’s Gym. This event is geared towards college and/or high school students but is open to all.

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Security Update

By Shawn Brokos / Friday, July 5, 2024 / 0 Comments

Tree of Life Synagogue received an on-line hoax bomb threat on July 2nd. The hoax threat is in line with other hoax threats that we have seen targeting Jewish organizations across the country. FBI and Pittsburgh Police are investigating.

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Security Update

By Shawn Brokos / Friday, June 28, 2024 / 0 Comments

Through state grant funding, we will now be able to install the BluePoint Emergency Alert System in 13 more Jewish locations. The installation will take several months to complete. When finalized, there will be 33 Jewish locations online with BluePoint.

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Security Update

By Shawn Brokos / Friday, June 21, 2024 / 0 Comments

Please be aware of road closures due to the Sunday, June 23 Tree of Life, Inc. groundbreaking ceremony at Shady and Wilkins.

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Security Update

By Shawn Brokos / Friday, June 14, 2024 / 0 Comments

With the uptick in graffiti and antisemitic incidents please consider joining the Jewish Federation’s Virtual Block Watch Program. The program is entirely voluntary and is designed to keep our community safe through collaboration.

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