Please Be Aware
On September 2nd, Jeremy Brokaw of Ohio accepted a plea deal offered by the Magistrate in Peters Township related to the antisemitic and racist literature thrown from his vehicle on May 18 in Peters Township. He pleaded to three out of sixteen violations and the fines were significantly reduced. Brokaw’s case in Pittsburgh is pending appeal to the Court of Common Pleas.
On Aug 28, a federal judge ruled that the University of Pittsburgh must immediately reinstate the local chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). This comes after the group was suspended after a “study-in” back in December 2024 where members displayed pro-Palestinian messages, draped Palestinian flags over library tables and wore keffiyehs. SJP has a long history of anti-Zionist and anti-Israel protests and rallies, including taking part in a June 2024 encampment on university property that jeopardized the safety of students and law enforcement. It has promoted boycott movements against Israel on social media, accused Israel of “genocide” and reposted several unsubstantiated and incendiary claims against the Jewish state. For more on this, please see the article below.
Our intelligence partners shared information about an online bomb threat sent to a Pennsylvania University in late August. The university and law enforcement are currently investigating. If you receive an online bomb threat, please notify us immediately as the language may be similar and part of the scheme. Please also report it to local law enforcement immediately.
So far in 2025, we have logged 239 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 209 for 2024. We continue to collaborate closely with law enforcement to monitor potential threat activity. Please continue to report any suspicious incidents via the Incident Report Form.
Security Matters in the News This Week
- Anti-Zionist group’s suspension from Pitt lifted by federal judge (jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com)
- Letter sent to Pitt, other schools by Pa. senators to combat antisemitism (wtae.com)
- Jewish orgs urge institutions to apply for NSGP grants, despite questions about new conditions (eJewishPhilanthropy.com)
- After Minneapolis shooting, security firms see influx of interest from faith groups (religiousnews.com)
BluePoint Status
Charles Morris installation is now complete. BluePoint is now live in 33 of the 36 locations. Police boxes have been installed at 28 of our organizations, enabling law enforcement to have immediate access in an emergency.
Security Resources and/or Training
A Practical Discussion on Physical Security Improvements
Ask the Security Experts Join Secure Community Network for an interactive conversation about today’s most important physical security challenges. Hear practical recommendations from a nationally recognized security expert and leave with strategies you can put into action. PREPARE • PLAN • STRENGTHEN Speakers Debbie Gottlieb Director of Grants Management Secure Community Network Jeffrey Slotnick Founder & President, Setracon
Cyber Security & Digital Media Safety: Part A
Green Tree, PA 15205 United States + Google Map
Students are More Connected Than Ever to Technology How do we keep them safe in the world of digital media? The Jewish Federation joins forces with the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the FBI, the US Attorney General's Office and the PA State Police to educate learners and families. PART A: October 8 at 6:00 PM Learn more about the dangers our kids are facing each and every day from the experts. PART B: October 15 at 6:00 PM Join us again for a Hands-on technology workshop ...
Cyber Security & Digital Media Safety: Part B
Green Tree, PA 15205 United States + Google Map
Students are More Connected Than Ever to Technology How do we keep them safe in the world of digital media? The Jewish Federation joins forces with the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the FBI, the US Attorney General's Office and the PA State Police to educate learners and families. PART A: October 8 at 6:00 PM Learn more about the dangers our kids are facing each and every day from the experts. PART B: October 15 at 6:00 PM Join us again for a Hands-on technology workshop ...
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If you need Go Bags, Emergency Safety Procedures Flip Charts or medical supplies contact Erin Fagan at efagan@jfedpgh.org or 412-992-5252.
