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
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.
