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
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.
