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
The NSGP Toolkit: The Investment Justification
Please join the Secure Community Network (SCN), along with subject matter experts, for an in-depth tutorial on how to complete the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) application, the Investment Justification. Speakers Ilene P. Cohen Physical Security Specialist Secure Community Network Shawn Brokos Director, Community Security Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh
Understanding Online Risks for Our Kids – What Every Parent Needs to Know
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM ESTPittsburgh, PA 15213 United States + Google Map
Presentation will focus on the significant threat of violence posed by and against juvenile and young adult threat actors driven by Nihilistic and other extremist beliefs. Attendees will receive a basic overview of the current threat landscape, with special emphasis on the emerging threat posed by actors who employ sadistic online exploitation tactics such as child sexual abuse, sharing of child sexual abuse material, sextortion, doxing, swatting, self-harm, animal cruelty, or other violent acts...
The NSGP Toolkit: The Threat Landscape
Please join the Secure Community Network (SCN), along with subject matter experts, as we review threats and risks facing our communities to help support a strong and comprehensive Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) application. Speakers TBD
The NSGP Toolkit: Best Practices
Please join the Secure Community Network (SCN), along with subject matter experts, as we explore best practices, tools, and techniques that can empower your organization's Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) planning. Speakers TBD
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.
