Please Be Aware
Since Nov 17th there have been multiple Jewish organizations across the country targeted with hoax bomb threats. At least three threats originated from text-to-voice calls to local law enforcement and/or social service suicide hotlines in which the caller stated bombs had been placed in the facilities. The language used has been similar. Law enforcement is investigating. Report any bomb threats to us immediately so we can determine if it is from the hoax caller(s).
PCCD security grant awards to be announced on December 13th!
REMINDER: We are in a heightened threat environment and 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. Continue to be vigilant; report suspicious behavior to 911 and then the Jewish Federation via the Incident Report at jewishpgh.org/form/incident-report.
In Pittsburgh, YTD the Jewish Federation has logged 270 incidents in our Virtual Command Center, this compares to 122 incidents for the entire year of 2022.
Security Matters in the News This Week
- Bomb squad called to synagogue in Lakewood, NJ after grenade found nearby (timesofisrael.com)
- Community rallies to erase symbols of hate at Kalamazoo synagogue (wwmt.com)
- Prison sentence upheld for leader of Michigan white supremacist group ‘The Base’ (mlive.com)
- Israel and Hamas have reached a deal on a cease-fire and hostages. What does it look like? (apnews.com)
BluePoint Status
As we are back-to-school, please review your current contact lists in BluePoint. If changes are needed, please contact Erin Fagan at efagan@jfedpgh.org.
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.
