Posts
We will forever stand with the families and survivors of the Tree of Life building attack. The jury verdict and sentencing reflected the gravity of this horrific crime, and we believe justice was served. We have full confidence in the prosecution team and the judicial system as this process moves forward.
For my final message of 2025, I want to share two reflections that sit at opposite emotional poles.
As we gather and heal in the aftermath of the Bondi Beach attack, please remember to keep up apprised of any events that you may be hosting so we can adequately prepare for security.
This week, I’m handing the keyboard off to Brian Eglash, Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer. Brian writes:
I returned last week from an extraordinarily moving Israel Solidarity Mission with a small group of committed Federation leadership. At a time when very few American Jews are traveling to Israel, our purpose was clear: to show unwavering solidarity by physically showing up and to return home with stories of resilience, courage and hope. Based on the profound feedback from participants, I am confident we achieved exactly that.
Rabbi Schiff argues in the Jewish Chronicle that rising antisemitism is a warning sign of broader societal instability and urges Australia and the West to confront this “lethal strain.”
The Federation’s Gefsky Scholar, Rabbi Danny Schiff shares his thoughts as an Australian and Pittsburgher on the Chanukah shooting in Bondi.
Chanukah festivities are set to begin this weekend with a menorah parade on Sunday, December 14. The parade route is from Rodef Shalom parking lot and ends at the Chabad of Squirrel Hill. There are several other events on Sunday and throughout the week. Please remain situationally aware and report any suspicious activity via the Incident Report Form.
This week, I’m handing the keyboard off to David Heyman, Associate Vice President, Marketing, who has some wonderful news to share:
As we head into Shabbat, I’ve been thinking about how our community understands the work we do together. For generations, we have helped people learn, grow and feel supported. Yet many people still ask the same question: What exactly does the Federation do?
We are hosting an online PCCD Security Grant Workshop on Tuesday, December 16 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM. Learn best practices to secure this grant funding to include budgeting, narrative writing and implementation.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s board of directors has approved $37,500 in additional one-time grants to help three local human service agencies meet rising demand for essential services following the recent government shutdown and changes to SNAP benefits. The Planning and Impact Leadership Committee recommended the grants to meet current circumstances. These grants reflect […]
This week, I’m handing the keyboard off to Lily Wein, Manager, Planning & Impact. Lily writes:
Earlier this week, I traveled to Washington, D.C. with a group of 23 Pittsburghers to attend the Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly (GA). The General Assembly brings together Jewish communal leaders, philanthropists, professionals and community partners from across North America to learn about, engage in and take action on the defining issues of our time as a united Jewish community.
Now that the state budget has been approved, we are optimistic that applications for The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency (PCCD) Nonprofit Security Grant will be available shortly. In past years, applicants had four-six weeks to complete the application.
Now that the state budget has been approved, we are optimistic that applications for The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency (PCCD) Nonprofit Security Grant will be available shortly. In past years, applicants had four-six weeks to complete the application. If you are interested in applying and need assistance, please let us know.
Mohammad Hamad, one of individuals arrested for Hate Crimes relative to the threatening graffiti on Chabad of Squirrel Hill and Jewish Federation’s office is seeking to be released from custody pending trial. His defense attorney filed the motion and the government is responding. We will keep you posted as this unfolds.
I recently spent just under a week in Israel, primarily to participate in the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) Board of Governors meetings alongside my fellow JAFI and Federation Board member, Michael Milch. Upon arriving at Ben Gurion Airport and walking down the ramp toward the exit—where just two years ago the walls were plastered with posters of the missing hostages—I was struck to see only a handful remaining; those who we now know are no longer alive.
Jewish Community Resources JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry Offers emergency food for all Allegheny County residents, 15217 residents and some with select dietary needs qualify to shop in the grocery area. All visitors receive a mix of fresh, frozen and nonperishable foods. 412-421-2708 www.jfcspgh.org/services/squirrel-hill-food-pantry 828 Hazelwood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 […]
This grant will allow JFCS to procure additional kosher food for vulnerable community members following the expiration of SNAP benefits on November 1.
Election Day in Pennsylvania is next Tuesday, November 4. Numerous local elections, including the Pittsburgh Mayoral and statewide Pennsylvania Supreme Court elections, will take place across the region. Please remain vigilant and situationally aware.
The NCTC, FBI and DHS just released the 2025 edition of the U.S. Violent Extremist Mobilization Indicators booklet. It’s an excellent, concise guide outlining behavioral warning signs across three stages of radicalization—mobilization, preparation and motivation, outlining things that we should all be on the lookout for regardless of ideology.