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
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.
