Please Be Aware
UPDATE: William Murray was arrested yesterday for Ethnic Intimidation relating to the alleged hate symbol he drew at the entrance of Shaare Torah as well as “possession of explosive or incendiary materials, causing or risking catastrophe, and multiple counts of making or possessing prohibited weapons.” Murray faces 34 total charges in relation to having these chemicals. He had been charged for Ethnic Intimidation weeks ago but failed to appear in court. At this time, we do not have reason to believe he poses a threat to our community. See article below for more information.
With the uptick in graffiti – such as the graffiti covering Blue Slide Park this week – stolen yard signs, and antisemitic activity, please consider joining the Jewish Federation’s Virtual Block Watch Program, a volunteer network that can be called upon to provide residential or business video surveillance footage to help prevent, deter, and possibly solve crimes. The program is entirely voluntary and is designed to keep our community safe through collaboration. For more information visit jewishpgh.org/info/virtual-block-watch.
Year to date in 2024, the Jewish Federation has logged 128 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 44 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
- Man arrested for allegedly posting hate symbols on Pittsburgh synagogue now facing charges related to bomb making – CBS Pittsburgh (cbsnews.com)
- Popular NYC kosher restaurant has window smashed by vandals (nypost.com)
- Palm Beach County moves to rein in hate speech following Neo-Nazi rant (palmbeachpost.com)
- Jewish community rallies to help New Orleans City Council staffer targeted in hate crime (fox8live.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
A Practical Discussion on Physical Security Improvements
Ask the Security Experts Join Secure Community Network for an interactive conversation about today’s most important physical security challenges. Hear practical recommendations from a nationally recognized security expert and leave with strategies you can put into action. PREPARE • PLAN • STRENGTHEN Speakers Debbie Gottlieb Director of Grants Management Secure Community Network Jeffrey Slotnick Founder & President, Setracon
Cyber Security & Digital Media Safety: Part A
Green Tree, PA 15205 United States + Google Map
Students are More Connected Than Ever to Technology How do we keep them safe in the world of digital media? The Jewish Federation joins forces with the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the FBI, the US Attorney General's Office and the PA State Police to educate learners and families. PART A: October 8 at 6:00 PM Learn more about the dangers our kids are facing each and every day from the experts. PART B: October 15 at 6:00 PM Join us again for a Hands-on technology workshop ...
Cyber Security & Digital Media Safety: Part B
Green Tree, PA 15205 United States + Google Map
Students are More Connected Than Ever to Technology How do we keep them safe in the world of digital media? The Jewish Federation joins forces with the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the FBI, the US Attorney General's Office and the PA State Police to educate learners and families. PART A: October 8 at 6:00 PM Learn more about the dangers our kids are facing each and every day from the experts. PART B: October 15 at 6:00 PM Join us again for a Hands-on technology workshop ...
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.
