Please Be Aware
An individual named Clare Farris was arrested on February 19 for Harassment, Disorderly Conduct, Scattering Rubbish and Ethnic Intimidation as it relates to the February 8 antisemitic threats made against a family living in the Mexican War Streets area of Pittsburgh. We will provide updates as this case moves through the judicial system.
As we observe Purim, it is important to remain observant and report any suspicious activity to the Police and to your Federation Security Team.
Last evening, the Federation hosted a forum for Online Safety for Children and Teens. The presenters discussed the dangers of Nihilistic Criminal Groups and extortionists who target young people online such as the FBI news story linked below. It is important to monitor your child’s online activity and discuss the dangers of these groups. The Federation Safety Team will continue to update you on this issue. Please contact us if you have any questions on this topic.
So far in 2026 we have logged 38 incidents in our Virtual Command Center which is in comparison to 43 at this time last year. Please continue to report any suspicious incidents via the Incident Report Form.
Security Matters in the News This Week
- FBI Pittsburgh warns of growing threat of sextortion cases (newsbreak.com)
- I asked my Jewish readers if they’re Zionists. Here’s what they told me. (jewishchronicle.com)
- Truck ramming at Australian synagogue prompts hate crime charges as antisemitism commission opens (jewishchronicle.com)
BluePoint Status
BluePoint is now live in 34 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
PCCD Grant Workshop
Pittsburgh, PA 15219 United States + Google Map
The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Security team invites nonprofits and faith communities to a workshop on applying for the FY27 the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency (PCCD) Nonprofit Security Grant Fund. This grant supports organizations serving individuals at risk of hate crimes. We’ll cover grant guidelines, security assessments, threat documentation, budgeting, narrative writing and implementation.
Guardian: Identify. Protect. Respond.
Guardians take personal responsibility for the safety and security of themselves, their families and their communities. Learn the skillsets that help you identify, protect and respond to all hazards and become an Active Bystander in your community. As we approach the High Holidays, proactive planning is essential to ensuring our communities remain safe, welcoming, and prepared. The Secure Community Network (SCN) is pleased to announce our 2026 High Holidays Safety and Security Webinar Series, de...
Guardian: Identify. Protect. Respond.
Guardians take personal responsibility for the safety and security of themselves, their families and their communities. Learn the skillsets that help you identify, protect and respond to all hazards and become an Active Bystander in your community. As we approach the High Holidays, proactive planning is essential to ensuring our communities remain safe, welcoming, and prepared. The Secure Community Network (SCN) is pleased to announce our 2026 High Holidays Safety and Security Webinar Series, de...
Welcoming, Inclusive & Prepared
This session addresses critical emergency preparedness considerations for all congregants, with a focus on elderly attendees, individuals with mobility challenges, families with children, neurodiverse members and caregivers. The program features experts who implemented a practical, inclusive model, offering lessons and best practices for easy adoption in your own community. As we approach the High Holidays, proactive planning is essential to ensuring our communities remain safe, welcoming, and p...
Power of Hello Training
The Power of Hello training equips you with the knowledge and skills to observe and evaluate suspicious behaviors. It empowers you to mitigate potential risk by knowing when to seek additional help. When used effectively, the right words can be a powerful tool. As we approach the High Holidays, proactive planning is essential to ensuring our communities remain safe, welcoming, and prepared. The Secure Community Network (SCN) is pleased to announce our 2026 High Holidays Safety and Security Webin...
Power of Hello Training
The Power of Hello training equips you with the knowledge and skills to observe and evaluate suspicious behaviors. It empowers you to mitigate potential risk by knowing when to seek additional help. When used effectively, the right words can be a powerful tool. As we approach the High Holidays, proactive planning is essential to ensuring our communities remain safe, welcoming, and prepared. The Secure Community Network (SCN) is pleased to announce our 2026 High Holidays Safety and Security Webin...
Ensuring Readiness, Security and Empowerment for the High Holidays
Is your community ready for the High Holidays? Securing Our Space offers practical guidance to strengthen both physical security and personal preparedness. Learn how to implement layered security measures, keep your emergency supplies accessible and empower your community to respond confidently and effectively during an incident. As we approach the High Holidays, proactive planning is essential to ensuring our communities remain safe, welcoming, and prepared. The Secure Community Network (SCN) i...
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.
