Please Be Aware
The Western PA All Hazards Fusion Center reports:
- the antisemitic vandalism in Western PA is likely perpetuated by anarchists and anti-authority government extremist’ actors
- there has been a marked increase in foreign-based and domestic-based antisemitic rhetoric via social media. FBI and DHS advise that this activity will likely increase due to espoused grievances such as foreign hatred of Israel, perpetuated by Iran and terrorist organizations, the lack of a sovereign Palestinian state, as well as humanitarian concerns for conditions in Gaza.
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
Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) Webinar Series
Thursday, March 13 @ 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM EDTTo help your organization prepare to apply for NSGP funding in the FY2024/2025 season, SCN is hosting a series of informative webinars with security and grant professionals to guide your organization through the NSGP process. All webinars will be held from 2:00 to 3:15 PM ET.
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.