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For awareness, there is a planned protest at Schenley Plaza today, March 14th at 5 pm, part of which will include opposition to Mahmoud Khalil’s arrest by ICE and detainment for leading “activities aligned with Hamas” at Columbia University. Organized by National Students for Justice in Palestine (NSJP), today’s protest falls under a “day of action,” which has continued for several days.

Please Be Aware In a court hearing this morning, The Project for Responsive Democracy (PRD) acknowledged that it’s Not on Our Dime anti-Israel referendum petition, filed on February 18, 2025, lacked enough valid signatures from registered Pittsburgh voters to qualify for the Primary Election ballot. This referendum posed a direct threat on Pittsburgh’s financial stability, […]

Aidan Harding, a known member of a local neo-Nazi group has been arrested by the FBI for one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and is being held in custody. During his detention hearing, evidence was presented about his targeting of the Pittsburgh Jewish community with antisemitic flyers/stickers, his racially motivated extremism (namely his hatred of Jews), and his possession of 20 firearms. Please know that throughout this investigation, we were in communication with law enforcement and at no time did Harding pose a direct threat to any of our Jewish organizations or members of our community.

Clashes broke out in the Borough Park area of NYC on Tuesday evening after pro-Palestinian protesters “descended” on one of the heaviest Jewish-populated areas in the US. City leaders described the pro-Palestinian group’s actions as antisemitic, adding that they were looking to incite violence and fear.

Several police departments in the Pittsburgh area are issuing warnings about door-to-door sales scams that are increasing across our area. You can view some tips for protecting yourself at The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s website.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement this week regarding potential changes to the threat environment following President Trumps press conference on its posture in the Gaza region. Spontaneous protests targeting Jewish community may occur.

David Aul was arrested for allegedly smashing a storefront window on the South Side. There is an Israeli flag hanging right above where the window was smashed, and the store owner reports he has experienced previous harassment due to displaying the flag. Aul had previously been arrested in 2022 for harassing members of the Pittsburgh Jewish community in Squirrel Hill.

Pittsburgh City Council is proposing a referendum that the City cannot discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, or association with foreign nations when it conducts business. This is in response to the proposed anti-Israel referendum led by a pro-Palestinian group that seeks to have the city stop doing business with companies tied to Israel.

We are closely monitoring the proposed three-phase Israeli-Hamas cease-fire hostage exchange deal, and its potential implications here in the US, regionally and locally.