Happy Passover! We wish you all a safe and meaningful holiday.
Please Be Aware
A federal judge denied defendant Mohammad Hamad’s request that his current home detention be lifted in United States v. Hamad, Lubit (the July 29, 2024, graffiti attack at Federation and Chabad of Squirrel Hill). The government revealed it uncovered additional evidence post-arrest that indicates Hamad is both a danger to the community and a flight risk. The additional evidence is extremely compelling, especially for those who view this as, “just graffiti;” it is listed in detail in the Jewish Chronicle article linked below.
So far in 2025, we have logged 96 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 76 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
- With Passover celebrations near, concerns about antisemitism rise (NBCChicago.com)
- New evidence revealed against defendant in Chabad and Jewish Federation vandalism case (jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com)
- Poale Zedeck, Shaare Torah formalize unification talks (jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com)
- Pro-Hamas vandal of federal statue gets 10 days in jail, must pay $1,500 (JNS.org)
BluePoint Status
BluePoint installation at Riverview will be completed by 4/11/25. Charles Morris and Yeshiva Boys installation to follow. BluePoint has now been installed in 30 of the 33 locations. Police boxes have been installed at 18 of our organizations, with 10 more locations to follow.
Security Resources and/or Training
A Practical Discussion on Physical Security Improvements
Thursday, October 8 @ 2:00 PM - 3:15 PM EDTAsk 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
Cyber Security & Digital Media Safety: Part A
Thursday, October 8 @ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDTGreen Tree, PA 15205 United States + Google Map
Students are More Connected Than Ever to Technology How do we keep them safe in the world of digital media? The Jewish Federation joins forces with the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the FBI, the US Attorney General's Office and the PA State Police to educate learners and families. PART A: October 8 at 6:00 PM Learn more about the dangers our kids are facing each and every day from the experts. PART B: October 15 at 6:00 PM Join us again for a Hands-on technology workshop ...
Cyber Security & Digital Media Safety: Part B
Thursday, October 15 @ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM EDTGreen Tree, PA 15205 United States + Google Map
Students are More Connected Than Ever to Technology How do we keep them safe in the world of digital media? The Jewish Federation joins forces with the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, the FBI, the US Attorney General's Office and the PA State Police to educate learners and families. PART A: October 8 at 6:00 PM Learn more about the dangers our kids are facing each and every day from the experts. PART B: October 15 at 6:00 PM Join us again for a Hands-on technology workshop ...
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.