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 [email protected].
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
Navigating Digital Threats: Strategies to Prevent Online Child Exploitation
Ahead of the next school year, please join the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse for a virtual training on preventing and responding to online child exploitation in K-12 communities. This session will feature a panel discussion with experts from the U.S. Department of Justice and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, who will share valuable tools and resources to combat online child exploitation and educate teachers, students and families.
De-Escalation Training
Please contact Erin Fagan at [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] or 412-992-5252.
