Please Be Aware
We continue to remain in a heightened threat environment because of HAMAS’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7th. We are working in close collaboration with law enforcement to monitor potential threat activity. There are no known or direct threats related to our Pittsburgh Jewish community.
This week, DHS, FBI, and NCTC issued a Joint Intelligence Bulletin (JIB) that assesses which lone offenders inspired by, or reacting to, the ongoing Israel–HAMAS conflict pose the most likely threat to Americans, especially Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities in the United States. Though there are no known threats at this time, foreign terrorist organizations and their supporters remain committed to attacking the United States within and beyond our borders.
The FBI released Hate Crime Statistics for 2022. Hate Crimes directed at the Jewish community comprised 64% of religiously motivated hate crimes, a significant rise from last year. Jews continue to be the most targeted group of any religion. More information can be found on the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer.
FBI and DHS issued a notification to advise of an ongoing issue of potential public safety concern consequent to the Hamas attacks in Israel.
Yesterday, the Jewish Federation’s Facebook and Twitter account was defaced, replacing the current graphics with the Palestinian flag and “Stop the Genocide”. Law enforcement is investigating this. This is a reminder to practice good cyber hygiene, especially as HAMAS has called for low level cyber-attacks at our Jewish organizations.
Continue to be vigilant. Report suspicious behavior to 911 and then the Jewish Federation via the Incident Report Form.
Security Matters in the News This Week
- ‘I am going to take every one of you out’: North Carolina man arrested for threats against Jewish organization (abcnews.go.com)
- Pittsburgh Jewish Federation deletes Twitter/X account after being hacked by pro-Palestinian activists – Jewish Telegraphic Agency (jta.org)
- DHS and FBI warn of “heightened” potential for violence amid Israel-Hamas conflict – (cbsnews.com)
- Hate Crime Protection Funding Boost Draws Bipartisan Support (bloomberglaw.com)
BluePoint Status
Please review your current contact lists in BluePoint. If changes are needed, please email us at bluepoint@fsaconsulting.us.
Our BluePoint training video and refresher video are available on YouTube. These are useful for new staff or as a reminder for existing staff.
Security Resources and/or Training
Online Safety & Digital Responsibility
Pittsburgh, PA 15217 United States + Google Map
Open to the Public The Jewish Federation is hosting an evening of discussion about cybersecurity awareness for younger students and their families with Felicia Trovato, Community Outreach Specialist, FBI Pittsburgh. Join a discussion with FBI Pittsburgh about online safety for students in grades 5 through 9. Registration is required. Topics Covered Online Safety & Situation Awareness Cyberbullying Awareness Trusted Adults & Seeking Help Digital Footprint & Permanence Text Message Et...
Emergency Preparedness Webinar
"If it is predictable, it is preventable." ~Gordan Graham Hazards, both manmade and natural, are a concern for all organizations. Establishing an All-Hazards Plan will not only assist in preventing many known threats, it will also provide a roadmap to mitigate these hazards. Continuity of Business Plans are the next step and crucial to direct how to move forward and restore your organization. This Webinar prepares organizations to handle emergencies by building All-Hazards and Continuity of...
De-Escalation Training
Please contact Erin Fagan at efagan@jfedpgh.org or 412-992-5252 to schedule this training.
Situational Awareness, Active Threat, and Usher/Greeter Training
If you or your organization have not yet had these training modules, please contact Erin Fagan at efagan@jfedpgh.org or 412-992-5252. All can be made available in person or via Zoom.
If you need more Emergency Safety Procedures Flip Charts contact Erin Fagan at efagan@jfedpgh.org or 412-992-5252.
