Please Be Aware
We are continuing to see anti-Israel protests in our community and are monitoring them as appropriate and collaborating with law enforcement. In many instances across the country, professional protestors are leading these efforts, and the rhetoric and actions continue to be concerning for Jewish students and the Jewish community-at-large. See some of these links for more information:
- GWI (George Washington University for Israel) Statement on Metro PD’s Disbandment of DMV SJP Encampment (instagram.com)
- UCLA Police Department Statement Regarding the Incidents of Monday, May 6, 2024 (ucla.com)
- In Our Name: A Message from Jewish Students at Columbia University (google.com)
For awareness, there have been multiple security incidents disrupting local Pittsburgh church services over the past several weeks, to include the attempted shooting of a pastor during services at a church in North Braddock. This is a reminder that we must always remain vigilant. See below article for more information.
Year to date in 2024, the Jewish Federation has logged 113 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 39 for the same period in 2023. We remain in a heightened threat environment and are working closely with law enforcement to monitor potential threat activity. Please continue to report any suspicious incidents to us using the Incident Report form.
Security Matters in the News This Week
- Church disruptions on the rise throughout Pittsburgh area in recent weeks (cbsnews.com)
- Man arrested, accused of leaving antisemitic note at Jewish center in Carlisle, PA (wgal.com)
- North Carolina man arrested, charged with threatening Georgia rabbi (JNS.org)
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
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.
