Please Be Aware
David Aul was arrested for allegedly smashing a storefront window on the South Side. There is an Israeli flag hanging right above where the window was smashed, and the store owner reports he has experienced previous harassment due to displaying the flag. Aul had previously been arrested in 2022 for harassing members of the Pittsburgh Jewish community in Squirrel Hill.
So far in 2025, we have logged 21 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 15 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
- Brooklyn Israeli restaurant vandalized with antisemitic graffiti (FOX5NY.com)
- US policy is to ‘combat antisemitism vigorously,’ per new Trump order (jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com)
- Officials decry anti-Israel vandalism at NJ synagogue (jta.org)
BluePoint Status
BluePoint installation is nearly complete at Kollel and Aleph, Shaare Torah and Squirrel Hill Food Pantry. 26 of our organizations are online with BluePoint, with six more coming online by April 1, 2025. Police boxes have all been installed at 16 of our organizations.
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
Dave Wright Defensive Tactics Training (Women only)
Pittsburgh, PA 15217 United States + Google Map
This 4-part course, open to all women, will address these important topics: The mind of the active shooter predator vs. prey, situational awareness and survival mindset Basic self-defense techniques Weapons awareness and disarming techniques Reality-based training
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.
