Did You Hear?

The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh today announced that Debbie Resnick has been nominated as the next Board Chair, succeeding Jan Levinson, who will be completing three years of leadership in the role.  “Debbie brings the experience, insight and dedication that this role demands,” said Jeff Finkelstein, President & CEO. “She understands the Federation’s unique […]

Jewish students across our region have faced a deeply challenging climate. The federal charges filed today against six individuals in the hate-fueled assault on a University of Pittsburgh student — targeted in Oakland last September because he was wearing a Star of David necklace — bring a measure of relief and reaffirm that Jewish identity is worth […]

Local police have been notified about Passover services as well as communal Seders; you may see an increased police presence at some of our locations in an abundance of caution. We are actively monitoring the threat environment for the Passover holiday. Please continue to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to 911 and then to us via the Incident Report Form.

We are continuing to closely monitor the current threat landscape in collaboration with our law enforcement and intelligence partners. While there are no known direct or indirect threats targeting our community, we want to remind everyone to remain vigilant and to report anything suspicious, unusual or concerning via 911 and through our Incident Report Form.

Yesterday’s attack on a synagogue in metro Detroit was deeply alarming to all of us. The period between when an attack first makes the news and when details begin to emerge is especially stressful. Thankfully, we ultimately received reassuring news: the security procedures, physical hardening measures and security professionals all did their jobs. This is precisely why our Federation is so deeply invested in a strong security apparatus to guide and support our Jewish communal synagogues and organizations.

On March 11, an individual named Ayman Mohamad Ghazali (41), armed with a rifle intentionally drove his vehicle into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan. The attacker was able to make it through the doors, and down the hall at which point the vehicle caught fire. Ghazali was fatally shot by armed guards. Fortunately, none of the synagogue’s staff, teachers or children were injured and many are crediting the preparedness training that they have done. That preparation saved countless lives. While there are no known threats involving our local Jewish community, you may see an increased police presence at many of our locations in an abundance of caution.

Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh announced that 30 Jewish organizations across the Pittsburgh region have been awarded a combined $1,728,440 in security grants through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. “Security remains one of the most important ways we protect Jewish life and […]

Our hearts are with the Detroit Jewish community following today’s attack at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. We stand with our colleagues at the Jewish Federation of Detroit and offer our support in any way we can. Even before the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh has worked to strengthen security […]

The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Board of Directors has approved $225,000 in emergency funding to assist Israelis impacted by the recent attacks connected to Operation Roaring Lion. The funds will support the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Operation Roaring Lion Fund. Since the beginning of the war on Saturday, February 28, the Jewish Agency has […]