There will not be a newsletter next week due to the Maccabi Games.
Please Be Aware
This Sunday will mark the start of the Pittsburgh Maccabi Games. We are thrilled to welcome our athletes and guests and have been actively planning for security for the past six months. We ask that any spectators or guests with security concerns during this event report to us immediately using the Incident Report Form.
North Side resident, Michael Walter Lawlor, who was arrested for allegedly spitting on a neighbors Israeli Flag on the Mexican War Streets had his preliminary hearing in court this week. The July 28 preliminary hearing was held on charges of stalking, harassment, ethnic intimidation, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief. Lawlor is scheduled to be arraigned on September 10. See the article below for more information.
Secure Community Network (SCN) shared its 2025 High Holiday Webinar and Training Series. There are 10 webinars that will run from August 7–September 18. View the full schedule and register here Secure Community Network Launches 2025 High Holiday Security Briefing Series with Focus on Threat Landscape, Preparedness Roadmap, and Key Resources.
So far in 2025, we have logged 213 incidents in our Virtual Command Center. This compares to 189 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
- North Side resident appears in court after allegedly vandalizing Israeli flag (jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com)
- Under pressure, FEMA opens applications for 2025 Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding (ejewishphilanthropy.com)
- Jury trial begins for man accused in neo-Nazi flagpole assault in Nashville (fox17.com)
- As online bullying on nation’s campuses increases, ASU Jewish leaders remain optimistic but vigilant (www.jewishaz.com)
BluePoint Status
Yeshiva Boys still pending completion. Charles Morris installation is nearly complete. BluePoint is now live in 31 of the 33 locations. Police boxes have been installed at 28 of our organizations, enabling law enforcement to have immediate access in an emergency.
Security Resources and/or Training
Navigating Digital Threats: Strategies to Prevent Online Child Exploitation
Ahead of the next school year, please join the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse for a virtual training on preventing and responding to online child exploitation in K-12 communities. This session will feature a panel discussion with experts from the U.S. Department of Justice and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, who will share valuable tools and resources to combat online child exploitation and educate teachers, students and families.
Request Training for Your Organization →
If you need Go Bags, Emergency Safety Procedures Flip Charts or medical supplies contact Erin Fagan at [email protected] or 412-992-5252.
