Please Be Aware
We are closely monitoring the proposed three-phase Israeli-Hamas cease-fire hostage exchange deal, and its potential implications here in the US, regionally and locally. For more information on the three phases, see SCN SITUATION REPORT: Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Agreement.
Be aware that skimmers were found at two Giant Eagle locations in December, Greenfield and McKeesport. Skimmers are devices placed on the check-out pin pads that illegally capture customer’s information. If you have shopped there recently, please be sure to check your bank statements. See the below articles for more information.
To address the spike in antisemitism in Pittsburgh and especially on college campuses, this week local law enforcement and representatives from local colleges gathered in Hazelwood to learn how to better understand antisemitism and identify it. For more details, see the below article.
This week the U.S. imposed sanctions on the extreme right-wing online network, “Terrorgram”, designating it a terrorist group that promotes violent white supremacy. Terrogram operates largely on the Telegram social media site. In Sept, U.S. prosecutors charged two alleged leaders of Terrorgram, saying they used Telegram to solicit attacks on Black, Jewish, LGBTQ+ people and immigrants. See the below article for more.
So far in 2025, we have logged 10 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 1 for 2024. We continue to collaborate 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
- Skimmers found at 2 local Giant Eagle stores (wpxi.com)
- Pittsburgh-area law enforcement, college officials unite to combat antisemitism (CBSNews.com)
- US designates extreme right-wing ‘Terrorgram’ network as terrorist group (Reuters.com)
- Nonprofit that runs funding for US anti-Israel groups says it’s at risk of closing due to lawsuits (msn.com)
- Member of neo-Nazi group charged with trespassing, assault (newschannel5.com)
BluePoint Status
Next week we will be starting the installation of BluePoint at Kollel and then NCJW. After that Upstreet will be started. 24 of our organizations are online with BluePoint, with eight more coming online by April 1, 2025.
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.
