You can volunteer to be part of our security strategy at Federation which includes the Virtual Block Watch, an initiative that allows residents and businesses with doorbell or security cameras to support our community safety efforts.

This past week, two individuals were arrested and charged with federal hate crimes in connection with graffiti, vandalism and other acts of hate at Federation offices and Chabad of Squirrel Hill. According to publicly released documents, the male suspect had pledged allegiance to Hamas. Our Federation Security Team worked closely with the FBI and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police (PBP) throughout the investigation, and we are profoundly grateful to the FBI, PBP and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their tireless and dedicated work.

You may have read about the arrests in local media, which highlighted the role of cameras in tracking these individuals’ movements. Part of our security strategy at Federation includes the Virtual Block Watch, an initiative that allows residents and businesses with doorbell or security cameras to support our community safety efforts. Federation does not have direct access to these cameras, but if an investigation leads us to believe that footage from your camera could provide critical information, we can reach out to you. By joining, you’re helping to build a safer environment for our entire Pittsburgh Jewish community. These recent arrests show just how impactful our collective vigilance can be.

Shabbat Shalom—and don’t forget to vote on Tuesday!