Please Be Aware
Last week, the Anti-Defamation League released its 2024 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, noting that antisemitic incidents in Pennsylvania (PA) are at their highest level ever. PA ranked fourth in the country for the most incidents, with 465 incidents, up 18% from 2023. Of note, this is the first time that a majority of the incidents were related to Israel and nearly half took place at anti-Israel rallies. Please see the article below for more information.
Federal defendant Mohamad Hamad, charged in a superseding indictment for conspiracy to build and detonate a destructive device along with co-defendant Macaiah Collins, has been detained by a federal judge and will remain in custody according to a May 1, 2025, detention hearing. Hamad, a self-proclaimed Hamas operative, allegedly conspired with co-defendant Tayla Lubit to graffiti targeted, antisemitic messages at Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. The indictment, attached here, clearly shows his hatred of Jews, Israel and his violent, militant pro-Hamas ideology. The below article titled The Price provides detailed investigative reporting on this matter.
So far in 2025, we have logged 102 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 87 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
- The Price (tabletmag.com)
- Protesters Seem To Have Abandoned Plans To Set Up Encampment At Columbia (WLAC.iheart.com)
- Far-right fight groups endorse ‘youth clubs’ targeting US young men and boys (theguardian.com)
- Elom Tettey-Tamaklo, Ibrahim Bharmal decision issued (NBCboston.com)
BluePoint Status
BluePoint installation at Riverview is now complete. Charles Morris and Yeshiva Boys materials have been received and are awaiting installation schedules. BluePoint has now been installed in 31 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
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
Cyber Security & Digital Media Safety: Part A
Green 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
Green 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 ...
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If you need Go Bags, Emergency Safety Procedures Flip Charts or medical supplies contact Erin Fagan at efagan@jfedpgh.org or 412-992-5252.
