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 protecting. The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh will continue working alongside law enforcement and community partners to ensure every Jewish student can live and learn without fear. 

Statement from Shawn Brokos, Director of Community Security, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh: 

“We are grateful to the FBI, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and the University of Pittsburgh Police Department for their tireless work in pursuing justice in this case. Their commitment to holding perpetrators of hate-motivated violence accountable sends a clear and necessary message: attacks targeting people for their Jewish identity will not go unanswered. We thank our law enforcement partners for standing with the Jewish community.”