Please Be Aware
We continue to track domestic and international acts of antisemitism. This past week we saw the targeted arson of a synagogue in Melbourne, Australia. Investigators deemed this to be an antisemitic attack and is one of many incidents that make up the “fourfold increase in antisemitic attacks since Oct 7, 2023,” in Australia. Please see below article for more information.
The FBI Pittsburgh Division has created a program to help emphasizing the importance of protecting children online. The program is called Online Safety Starts With You. The video highlights the dangers of online predators and stresses the importance of being proactive in educating ourselves and our children about the risks they may face in the digital world. More resources on this topic can be found at Community Outreach — FBI.
Year to date 2024, the Jewish Federation has logged 273 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 265 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
- Defendants accused of painting antisemitic graffiti at Chabad of Squirrel Hill, Federation, plead not guilty (jewishchronicle.com)
- Melbourne, Australia, synagogue set ablaze, forcing congregants to flee (jewishchronicle.com)
- Bari Weiss: The Old World Is Not Coming Back (thefp.com)
- Vandals paint swastikas, hate speech on Jewish family’s home in west Charlotte (wcnc.com)
BluePoint Status
Next week, we will begin installation of BluePoint at Squirrel Hill Food Pantry. We now have 22 of our organizations online with BluePoint.
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
Online Safety & Digital Responsibility
Pittsburgh, PA 15217 United States + Google Map
Open to the Public The Jewish Federation is hosting an evening of discussion about cybersecurity awareness for younger students and their families with Felicia Trovato, Community Outreach Specialist, FBI Pittsburgh. Join a discussion with FBI Pittsburgh about online safety for students in grades 5 through 9. Registration is required. Topics Covered Online Safety & Situation Awareness Cyberbullying Awareness Trusted Adults & Seeking Help Digital Footprint & Permanence Text Message Et...
Emergency Preparedness Webinar
"If it is predictable, it is preventable." ~Gordan Graham Hazards, both manmade and natural, are a concern for all organizations. Establishing an All-Hazards Plan will not only assist in preventing many known threats, it will also provide a roadmap to mitigate these hazards. Continuity of Business Plans are the next step and crucial to direct how to move forward and restore your organization. This Webinar prepares organizations to handle emergencies by building All-Hazards and Continuity of...
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.
