Please Be Aware
On March 7, FBI Portland (Oregon) arrested a local man on federal Hate Crime charges for defacing Temple Beth Israel in Eugene, Oregon. This is a reminder of the importance of reporting antisemitic graffiti, vandalism and property crimes. This case reinforces the importance of community collaboration as well as the priority need for target-hardening tools such as security cameras and access control systems at our Jewish locations.
Data provided by the Jewish Federation of North America (JFNA) shows that in just one year, antisemitic comments on TikTok rose 912%. New legislation, Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, has been introduced to put pressure on platforms like TikTok. If you would like to learn more, visit TikTok Bill Toolkit – Google Docs.
So far in 2024, the Jewish Federation has logged 45 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
- Synagogue bomb threat is dramatized in Oscars ad against antisemitism by Robert Kraft (jpost.com)
- Teaneck Law Enforcement Wrangles Pro-Palestinian Mob (jewishlink.news)
- Eugene man charged with federal hate crime for defacing local synagogue (nbc16.com)
- Chesterfield man accused of hate crime in vandalization of church, Asian restaurant (ksdk.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
The NSGP Toolkit: The Investment Justification
Please join the Secure Community Network (SCN), along with subject matter experts, for an in-depth tutorial on how to complete the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) application, the Investment Justification. Speakers Ilene P. Cohen Physical Security Specialist Secure Community Network Shawn Brokos Director, Community Security Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh
Understanding Online Risks for Our Kids – What Every Parent Needs to Know
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM ESTPittsburgh, PA 15213 United States + Google Map
Presentation will focus on the significant threat of violence posed by and against juvenile and young adult threat actors driven by Nihilistic and other extremist beliefs. Attendees will receive a basic overview of the current threat landscape, with special emphasis on the emerging threat posed by actors who employ sadistic online exploitation tactics such as child sexual abuse, sharing of child sexual abuse material, sextortion, doxing, swatting, self-harm, animal cruelty, or other violent acts...
The NSGP Toolkit: The Threat Landscape
Please join the Secure Community Network (SCN), along with subject matter experts, as we review threats and risks facing our communities to help support a strong and comprehensive Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) application. Speakers TBD
The NSGP Toolkit: Best Practices
Please join the Secure Community Network (SCN), along with subject matter experts, as we explore best practices, tools, and techniques that can empower your organization's Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) planning. Speakers TBD
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.
