From August 3 to 8, 2025, Pittsburgh proudly hosted the inaugural JCC Maccabi Campus Games, an Olympic-style celebration of Jewish youth that transformed the University of Pittsburgh’s campus into a vibrant hub of competition, community and identity. Nearly 2,000 Jewish teens, aged 13 to 17, from 90 global communities came together, joined by thousands of family members and volunteers, to live, compete and connect in an environment designed to be both joyful and safe.

Security operations were anchored by “Security Central,” a command center staffed by law enforcement and event security personnel. Open from Sunday afternoon through Friday morning, it served as the clearinghouse for all security coordination.

All of this was made possible with your support.

At the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, we believe in creating inclusive spaces where Jewish youth can explore their identity without fear. That’s why our security team coordinated with more than 20 local, state and federal agencies to implement a “high presence, low profile” safety strategy that protected every participant while preserving the spirit of the Games.

Our Community Security team worked with five independent security companies and collaborated with four levels of Homeland Security—from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to the City of Pittsburgh Office of Homeland Security, with Alan Hausman serving as our on-site liaison.

To ensure safety across all seven venues—including Carnegie Mellon University, Shady Side Academy, No Offseason Sports Complex, Schenley Park Oval, Ice Castle Arena and PNC Park—we deployed advanced technologies and proactive measures:

• Drone Detection technology from Air Sentinel was active at all venues, monitoring a three-mile radius for unauthorized aerial activity.
• A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) was secured from the Federal Aviation Administration for the Pitt Campus during the Closing Ceremonies, with FBI oversight to prevent drone incursions.
• Seven Packetalk camera trailers equipped with License Plate Recognition to identify vehicles and individuals flagged in state and federal databases were deployed across the venues.
• One hundred ten handheld radios were distributed to staff, enabling instant communication across venues via a secure cellular network.
• Transport buses and venues were swept for explosives before and during the Games.
• Plainclothes officers patrolled events alongside uniformed personnel to ensure discreet surveillance.

Participants were permitted to freely roam the Upper Campus of Pitt, attending nightly social events that fostered camaraderie and Jewish pride. One coach described the Games as “really a teen social engagement opportunity that has a sports flavor.”

The Games’ success was amplified by $3 million raised locally, a testament to Pittsburgh’s commitment to making this event extraordinary. The 2025 JCC Maccabi Campus Games redefined what it means to celebrate Jewish youth, identity and communal strength—with safety, joy and unity at its core.

Thanks to your extraordinary generosity, the 2025 JCC Maccabi Campus Games weren’t just safe—they were unforgettable. Your support fueled everything from cutting-edge security to the welcoming atmosphere that allowed Jewish teens to compete, connect and celebrate their identity freely. You didn’t just help make this event possible—you helped create a moment of unity and pride that rippled through our entire community. When you invest in events like these, you’re not just giving—you’re helping build the future. And when we build it together, we all win.