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The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh welcomes the guilty plea entered by Talya Lubit in connection with the acts of vandalism at Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation.
So much of what emanates from the Federation focuses on combating antisemitism and enhancing security for our Jewish community. I’m incredibly proud of our work in both areas. But it’s worth asking: why do we focus so heavily on this space? The answer is simple: so, we can live rich, meaningful Jewish lives. That’s where Tikkun Leil Shavuot—our annual night of study—comes into play.
On May 5, 2025, more than 30 anti-Israel protesters at the University of Washington were arrested for trespassing, property destruction, disorderly conduct and conspiracy. Before the incident, the group that led this effort, Students United for Palestinian Equality & Return (SUPER), posted a link to its manifesto on Instagram.
I have a secret to share with you: Our community is remarkable—creative, passionate and dedicated. But even the most vibrant communities can continue to grow and learn.
Federal defendant Mohamad Hamad, charged in a superseding indictment for conspiracy to build and detonate a destructive device along with co-defendant Macaiah Collins, has been detained by a federal judge and will remain in custody according to a May 1, 2025, detention hearing. Hamad, a self-proclaimed Hamas operative, allegedly conspired with co-defendant Tayla Lubit to graffiti targeted, antisemitic messages at Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.
The Jewish Federation’s Security Team is excited to invite you to our two upcoming events: Monday, April 28 @ 6 PM: Online Safety & Digital Responsibility with Felicia Trovato, Community Outreach Specialist, FBI Pittsburgh. Wednesday, April 30 @ 11:30 AM: Emergency Preparedness Webinar.
We stand in solidarity with Governor Josh Shapiro and his family in condemning the violent attack on their home during the first night of Passover.
A federal judge denied defendant Mohammad Hamad’s request that his current home detention be lifted in United States v. Hamad, Lubit (the July 29, 2024, graffiti attack at Federation and Chabad of Squirrel Hill). The government revealed it uncovered additional evidence post-arrest that indicates Hamad is both a danger to the community and a flight risk.
After several months of planning, the University of Pittsburgh has formed a working group to help combat Antisemitism and make campus safe and inclusive.
We condemn the defacement of the Free Store in Braddock, Pennsylvania—an essential resource that provides food, clothing, diapers and formula at no cost to the community and the Fetterman family.
Secure Community Network (SCN) issued a bulletin projecting an elevated threat level during Passover. The threat potential is exacerbated due to ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas. Remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior to 911 and us via our Incident Report Form.
Secure Community Network (SCN) issued a bulletin this week projecting an elevated threat level during Passover. The threat potential is exacerbated due to ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas. Remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior to 911 and us via our incident report form.
Purim is one of the most joyous holidays in the Jewish calendar. We celebrate by reading the Book of Esther and reveling in the festive spirit, especially for children. As I sat in my synagogue last night listening to the Megillah, I was struck by the joyful chaos—kids in costume running around, making noise and fully embracing the Purim spirit.
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, […]
We’re pleased to announce that The Project for Responsive Democracy (PRD) has acknowledged that its “Not On Our Dime” referendum petition, filed on February 18, 2025, does not have enough valid signatures from registered Pittsburgh voters to qualify for the Primary Election ballot.
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.
Federation and StandWithUs have filed a legal challenge to the referendum petition that is believed to not only violate state and federal law, but does not have the required number of valid signatures necessary to qualify for a ballot referendum.