Please Be Aware
Hillel International and the Secure Community Network (SCN) announced the release of best practice guidance, offering ten recommended steps for safety and security specifically for college and university administrators to protect Jewish students, and members of all faith-based communities, against threat incidents and suspicious activity. Read the full bulletin on SCN Partners With Hillel to Share Best Practice Safety & Security Campus Protocols for Protecting Jewish Students Amidst Surge in Incidents (securecommunitynetwork.org).
During a February 5th protest at the Pennsylvania State Capitol regarding the state government’s investments in Israel, 126 people were taken into custody for the “unpermitted and unauthorized demonstration.” Before being arrested, protestors had the opportunity to leave as they were ordered to disperse. They were released after being issued trespassing citations.
On February 26th from 7:00-8:00 PM, Kelly Fishman, Regional Director of the ADL, will discuss the “generational divide” among Jews in this country, our communities, and families regarding Israel and Gaza. She will discuss these differences in terms of their impact on our society, the rise in antisemitism, and actions we can take, especially when those near and dear to us have completely different perspectives. For more information and to register, visit THE GENERATIONAL DIVIDE: NAVIGATING DIFFERING OPINIONS ABOUT THE ISRAELI-HAMAS WAR (ncjwcleveland.org).
FBI Boston and Massachusetts State Police are hosting a one-hour training that will provide attendees with an overview of the realities of bomb threats and swatting hoaxes. This training will include a detailed review of statistics and current trends seen across the country. The training will also cover the characteristics of hoax calls, law enforcement best practices for assessment and response and the decision-making process for evacuation or sheltering in place. You can register online.
So far in 2024, the Jewish Federation has logged 26 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. We remain in a heightened threat environment and are working closely with law enforcement to monitor potential threat activity.
Security Matters in the News This Week
- Former Quincy resident extradited from Sweden to face charges in MA (bostonherald.com)
- D.C. Police arrest Lyft driver who allegedly assaulted Chabad rabbi, now say it was possible hate crime (jta.org)
- Lincoln Park vehicles targeted by antisemitic flyers with outlandish claims about Jews (abc7chicago.com)
- Yaniv Gola charged with phone threats, including with antisemitic and Islamophobic language (inquirer.com)
BluePoint Status
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
2025 Faith-Based Pre-Holiday Virtual Workshop
Holiday Safety for Faith Communities As the holiday season approaches, it is important to keep our churches, congregations, and communities safe. This free virtual workshop, designed specifically for faith-based leadership and their communities, will cover key safety and security tips for the fall and winter months. The training will include a DHS threat brief, legal issues in providing security within houses of worship, and practical strategies for seeking peace within our faith communities. S...
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
Guardian Training
Please contact Erin Fagan at efagan@jfedpgh.org or 412-992-5252 to schedule this training.
Situational Awareness, Active Threat, and De-Escalation 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.
Request Training for Your Organization →
If you need more Emergency Safety Procedures Flip Charts contact Erin Fagan at efagan@jfedpgh.org or 412-992-5252.
