Please Be Aware
In a court hearing this morning, The Project for Responsive Democracy (PRD) acknowledged that it’s Not on Our Dime anti-Israel referendum petition, filed on February 18, 2025, lacked enough valid signatures from registered Pittsburgh voters to qualify for the Primary Election ballot. This referendum posed a direct threat on Pittsburgh’s financial stability, jeopardizing Pittsburgh’s ability to provide vital services, to include security. Please read this press release for more information Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and StandWithUs Celebrate the Second Defeat of Anti-Israel Referendum to Pittsburgh’s Home Rule Charter | Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.
An 18-year-old male from Lancaster, CA pled guilty to “interstate transmission of threats”, or in other words – making over 375 hoax bomb threats and swatting calls to religious institutions, schools, universities, government officials, and homes across the US. He has been sentenced to four years in federal prison. While we cannot attribute our Pittsburgh-based incidents to him, hopefully the sentence serves as a deterrent to others who may consider this conduct. Read this article for more information Office of Public Affairs | California Teenager Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Nationwide Swatting Spree | United States Department of Justice.
The Pennsylvania Office of Homeland Security is hosting its first quarter virtual learning series for faith-based organizations on Monday, March 24, 2025, 1p-3:30p. The guest speaker is a survivor from Norway’s deadliest mass casualty known as the 2011 Norway Attacks. For more information and to register please go here 1st Qtr Faith-Based Security and Resilience Training.
Please join the Secure Community Network (SCN) and Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) for an update and discussion about the FY2024/2025 Non-Profit Security Grant Program. To register for this webinar please click here SCN FY2025 NSGP Webinar – 13 March.
We are hosting a PCCD Security Grant Workshop on Thursday, March 27th from 6p-7:30 at our Jewish Federation office. Learn the keys to success for obtaining this grant, to include best practices for budgeting, narrative writing, and implementation. Space is limited. Please RSVP by COB March 14th to efagan@jfedpgh.org if you are planning to attend. For more information, please click PCCD State Security Grant Workshop.
So far in 2025, we have logged 56 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 41 for 2024. We continue to collaborate closely with law enforcement to monitor potential threat activity. Please continue to report any suspicious incidents to us using this link Incident Report| Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh (jewishpgh.org).
Security Matters in the News This Week
- Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and StandWithUs Celebrate the Second Defeat of Anti-Israel Referendum to Pittsburgh’s Home Rule Charter (jewishpgh.org)
- Jews targeted in nearly 70% of hate crimes in NYC last month — police (timesofisrael.com)
- Barnard protesters distribute Hamas pamphlets during library takeover (timesofisrael.com)
- Congress must fully fund the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (jpost.com)
- Office of Public Affairs | California Teenager Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Nationwide Swatting Spree (justice.gov)
BluePoint Status
BluePoint installation at Upstreet is now complete. Charles Morris is scheduled to begin next week. Riverview and Yeshiva Boys installation to follow. BluePoint has now been installed in 30 of the 33 locations. Police boxes have been installed at 16 of our organizations.
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
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.
