Please Be Aware
Election Day in Pennsylvania is next Tuesday, November 4. Numerous local elections, including the Pittsburgh Mayoral and statewide Pennsylvania Supreme Court elections, will take place across the region. Please remain vigilant and situationally aware. Continue to report suspicious activity to law enforcement and the Jewish Federation via the Incident Report Form.
On October 14th, four North American and Canadian airports were impacted by a cyberattack. Hackers were able to briefly take over PA systems and information screens at these airports. The messaging was pro-Hamas and anti-Israel. This happened at Harrisburg International Airport as well as a couple of similar incidents in Ontario and British Columbia. Federal Aviation Administration and airport officials are investigating.
So far in 2025, we have logged 270 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 254 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
- ‘Jew hater’ learns fate for bashing protesters at NYC Israel-Gaza demonstrations (msn.com)
- Friendswood police make arrest in antisemitic graffiti case (galvnews.com)
- Synagogue attack plot foiled in Alabama: 1 arrested, weapons seized, officials say (WKRG.com)
- Duquesne law professor, Pitt scholar listed on ‘Reverse Canary Mission’ website (jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com)
BluePoint Status
BluePoint is now live in 33 of the 36 locations. Police boxes have been installed at 29 of our organizations, enabling law enforcement to have immediate access in an emergency.
Security Resources and/or Training
FY2025/2026 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) Guidance
Please join the Secure Community Network (SCN) and subject matter experts for a workshop on the NSGP implementation process, including completing the Environmental & Historic Preservation Form (EHP), with a Q&A session at the conclusion of the webinar.
10-Minute Weather Safety Series: Winter Weather
This interactive session features a live Q&A where our experts will provide practical, actionable strategies for snowstorms and other severe winter conditions, alongside best practices for emergency planning. You will be familiarized with the essential steps and considerations to help yourself and your community remain prepared, safe, and resilient throughout the season. Presenter Murray Snow Director, Emergency Preparedness Secure Community Network
BeAware™: An Introduction to Situational Awareness
This training will teach you how to recognize suspicious or potentially dangerous behavior and threats and what to do. Designed for all community members, BeAware™ covers basic situational awareness and how to help protect yourself, your family, and your community. Speakers Chad Lotman Director, Training Secure Community Network John Piser Deputy Director, Planning & Preparedness Secure Community Network
In the event of an emergency, please be aware that we have adopted the Standard Response Protocol to best communicate across communities and emergency response teams.
Request Training for Your Organization →
If you need Go Bags, Emergency Safety Procedures Flip Charts or medical supplies contact Erin Fagan at efagan@jfedpgh.org or 412-992-5252.
