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
Ensuring Readiness, Security and Empowerment for the High Holidays
Is your community ready for the High Holidays? Securing Our Space offers practical guidance to strengthen both physical security and personal preparedness. Learn how to implement layered security measures, keep your emergency supplies accessible and empower your community to respond confidently and effectively during an incident. As we approach the High Holidays, proactive planning is essential to ensuring our communities remain safe, welcoming, and prepared. The Secure Community Network (SCN) i...
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
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.
