Shana Tovah! Wishing you a happy, healthy, sweet New Year.

Please Be Aware

We are closely monitoring the attacks by Iran in Israel and potential ramifications.

In the early morning hours of Friday, September 27, a Pitt student was verbally and physically assaulted by several males while walking home. FBI is the lead investigative agency as this appears to be a Hate Crime. See the below article for more information.

On the morning of September 28, police were alerted to two homemade banners with antisemitic messages and Nazi symbols hanging from the West End Bridge and the 10th Street Bridge. This is being investigated by Pittsburgh Police. See the below article for more information.

FOR AWARENESS:

• There is an anti-Israel rally “All In For Lebanon For Palestine” scheduled October 3rd at the Carnegie Museum of Art.
• Anti-Israel groups are planning a National Day of Action on October 5th, Pittsburgh is one of many cities that could see some action. Please see the attached Intel Bulletin, and know that we are closely monitoring this, SCN SITUATION REPORT: Anti-Israel Groups Plan International Day of Action on 05 October (mailchi.mp/securecommunitynetwork/).
• Social media reports show that October 7–October 11 has been deemed a nationwide “Week of Rage–1 Year of Genocide For: For Gaza We Rise” during which students across the country and the world will “rise together for a week of rage to mark a year of genocide in Gaza.” We are monitoring this closely and have no derogatory or concerning information impacting Pittsburgh at this time.

We are not aware of any credible intelligence reporting indicating a threat to the region. However, remaining vigilant and situationally aware is essential. Continue to report suspicious activity to law enforcement and the Jewish Federation via the Incident Report Form.

Year to date 2024, the Jewish Federation has logged 226 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 208 year to date 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 via the Incident Report Form.

Security Matters in the News This Week

• University of Pittsburgh, FBI investigating 2nd attack on Jewish student in a month (nbcnews.com)
• Nazi banners hung from two Pittsburgh bridges (jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com)
• It’s a ‘very difficult time’ for U.S. Jews as High Holy Days and Oct. 7 anniversary coincide (apnews.com)
• Nasrallah’s body retrieved from ruins as IDF names 20 more terrorists killed in blast (timesofisrael.com)

BluePoint Status

This week we will be doing the installation of BluePoint at Friendship Circle, Bnai Emunoh and Shaare Torah.

If you need Go Bags, Emergency Safety Procedures Flip Charts or medical supplies 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 Go Bags, Emergency Safety Procedures Flip Charts or medical supplies contact Erin Fagan at efagan@jfedpgh.org or 412-992-5252.