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
2025 Faith-Based Pre-Holiday Virtual Workshop
Holiday Safety for Faith Communities As the holiday season approaches, it is important to keep our churches, congregations, and communities safe. This free virtual workshop, designed specifically for faith-based leadership and their communities, will cover key safety and security tips for the fall and winter months. The training will include a DHS threat brief, legal issues in providing security within houses of worship, and practical strategies for seeking peace within our faith communities. ...
2025 Faith-Based Pre-Holiday Virtual Workshop
Holiday Safety for Faith Communities As the holiday season approaches, it is important to keep our churches, congregations, and communities safe. This free virtual workshop, designed specifically for faith-based leadership and their communities, will cover key safety and security tips for the fall and winter months. The training will include a DHS threat brief, legal issues in providing security within houses of worship, and practical strategies for seeking peace within our faith communities. S...
FY2025/2026 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) Guidance
Please join the Secure Community Network (SCN) and subject matter experts for a workshop on the NSGP implementation process, including completing the Environmental & Historic Preservation Form (EHP), with a Q&A session at the conclusion of the webinar.
10-Minute Weather Safety Series: Winter Weather
This interactive session features a live Q&A where our experts will provide practical, actionable strategies for snowstorms and other severe winter conditions, alongside best practices for emergency planning. You will be familiarized with the essential steps and considerations to help yourself and your community remain prepared, safe, and resilient throughout the season. Presenter Murray Snow Director, Emergency Preparedness Secure Community Network
BeAware™: An Introduction to Situational Awareness
This training will teach you how to recognize suspicious or potentially dangerous behavior and threats and what to do. Designed for all community members, BeAware™ covers basic situational awareness and how to help protect yourself, your family, and your community. Speakers Chad Lotman Director, Training Secure Community Network John Piser Deputy Director, Planning & Preparedness Secure Community Network
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.
