Please Be Aware
A group of illegal, anti-Israel protestors took over the lawn on Pitt’s campus by the Cathedral of Learning on Sunday evening. The protestors mobilized quickly, equipped with supplies to build structures to help them barricade. They provided a list of demands to Pitt, many of which were overtly antisemitic. They stayed in place until 2:00 AM on Tuesday morning, during which time they vacated – likely to avoid an imminent removal by law enforcement that had been previously scheduled.
There will be an increased police presence at many of our organizations during Shavuot, in an abundance of caution.
The defense team in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial has filed its notice to appeal the conviction and sentence. The case will make its way to the 3rd Circuit of Appeals for review and a decision. This will be lengthy process and we will update as new information is available.
With the uptick in graffiti and antisemitic incidents please consider joining the Jewish Federation’s Virtual Block Watch Program. The program is entirely voluntary and is designed to keep our community safe through collaboration. More information can be found on the Virtual Block Watch webpage.
Year to date 2024, the Jewish Federation has logged 145 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 56 YTD 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 below link.
Security Matters in the News This Week
- Protesters trespass, encamp on Pitt’s property (jewishchronicle.com)
- Shooter in West LA hate crimes against Jewish men faces up to 40 years in prison (cbsnews.com)
- 34 in custody after BK Museum anti-Israel takeover: NYPD (nypost.com)
- Pensacola teens in antisemitic vandalism case will take plea deals (pnj.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. ...
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.
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.
