Security

FBI Detroit is currently investigating potential threats related to Passover. These threats were intercepted via social media. As we get closer to Passover, this is an important reminder to be sure to plan and prepare for security.

A 34-year-old man identified as Ivo Stjepovic was arrested last Friday by Pittsburgh Police for ethnic intimidation and criminal mischief for slashing an Israeli flag at a residence in the Mexican War Streets area of Pittsburgh on January 17. The investigation into the man who left antisemitic and threatening flyers at the same home during the early morning hours of February 8 is ongoing.

A 34-year-old man identified as Ivo Stjepovic is facing charges of ethnic intimidation and criminal mischief for slashing an Israeli flag at a residence in the Mexican War Streets area of Pittsburgh on January 17, 2026. Law enforcement is actively looking for him.

The suspect in the car ramming incident at the Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters on Wednesday evening in Brooklyn has been named.  Dan Sohail, 36, has been charged with attempted assault, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and aggravated harassment, all as hate crimes, according to New York Police Department Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. The charges are based on the fact that Sohail “attacked the Jewish institution” and knew the site was a synagogue.

Pittsburgh Police are actively investigating an incident that occurred Saturday at approximately 7 PM in the Mexican War Streets (North Side) area of Pittsburgh in which a resident had their Israeli flag desecrated by a male dressed in black wielding a knife. The attack appeared to be targeted. Fortunately, multiple cameras captured the actor and his vehicle. Be aware and report any suspicious activity.

Edward Owens, the individual who made online antisemitic threats directed at a Pittsburgh public official, pled guilty to transmitting an interstate threat and making false statements to a government official in federal court this week. He faces up to 33 months in prison and will remain in custody pending sentencing on April 13.

As we enter a new year we wanted to give a recap of 2025 incidents. 2025 ended with 312 incidents, surpassing 2024’s total of 283 and 2023’s total of 300. These incidents were largely comprised of bomb threats, email threats, social media threats, graffiti, stickering, flyering and verbal threats.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, in partnership with Secure Community Network (SCN) announced the launch of our Embedded Analyst Program (EAP) to serve the Pittsburgh area and surrounding region. This initiative provides for a full-time Intelligence Analyst to be embedded with our Security Team at the Federation.

The Rabbi in the Yom Kippur attack in Manchester, UK did exactly what we train to do in our Run, Hide, Fight model by barricading the congregants and keeping them safe.

A report published by the Combat Antisemitism Movement has recorded 694 antisemitic incidents worldwide in August 2025. The United States had the highest amount with 162 incidents followed by Greece, the United Kingdom, Canada then France. This report only captures incidents formally reported to authorities.

For awareness, there will be a pro-Palestinian protest in Schenley Plaza on Saturday, September 20, at 6:30 PM. According to information on social media, the theme for this protest is “When Palestine Calls, Pittsburgh Answers.” We will continue to monitor with law enforcement for any security concerns.