Please Be Aware
Secure Community Network (SCN) has received reports of multiple Jewish organizations being targeted by an individual who goes by the name of Edaan Brook. This individual leverages Jewish WhatsApp groups to request money from individuals. Upon acceptance into the WhatsApp group, Brook sends private messages or places phone calls stating he “needs help for Shabbos,” or is close to finding housing, or has recently lost his job. Based on reported incidents, we have no reason to believe his requests for assistance are legitimate, at this time. Please let us know if you receive a message or request like this.
The conflict in the Middle East, coupled with increasing tensions between the US and Iran, poses a significant threat to domestic U.S. security. The rise in acts of harassment, intimidation, and violence directed at the Jewish community, along with online calls for violence and potential recruitment by violent extremist groups, heightens the potential risk of attacks, either by single actors or multiple individuals working in coordination. Please continue to use situational awareness and report to 911, and then file an incident report on any acts of the above.
So far in 2024, the Jewish Federation has logged 31 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.
On February 21 at 2:00 PM, FEMA’s Voluntary Agency Coordination Section and the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships are hosting a security religious holiday briefing that will provide attendees information, points of contact and considerations to prepare their facilities for upcoming religious observances and other public gatherings. Register online.
On February 26 from 7:00 to 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).
Security Matters in the News This Week
- Lakewood Church shooting: AR-15 had ‘Palestine’ sticker, antisemitic writings recovered, police say – ABC News (abc.go.com)
- Laguna Beach council meeting halted by ‘Zoombombing’ incident – Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
- Jewish Federation Screening HBO Documentary About Tree of Life Shooting (jewishexponent.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
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.
