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
Guardian: Identify. Protect. Respond.
Guardians take personal responsibility for the safety and security of themselves, their families and their communities. Learn the skillsets that help you identify, protect and respond to all hazards and become an Active Bystander in your community. As we approach the High Holidays, proactive planning is essential to ensuring our communities remain safe, welcoming, and prepared. The Secure Community Network (SCN) is pleased to announce our 2026 High Holidays Safety and Security Webinar Series, de...
Guardian: Identify. Protect. Respond.
Guardians take personal responsibility for the safety and security of themselves, their families and their communities. Learn the skillsets that help you identify, protect and respond to all hazards and become an Active Bystander in your community. As we approach the High Holidays, proactive planning is essential to ensuring our communities remain safe, welcoming, and prepared. The Secure Community Network (SCN) is pleased to announce our 2026 High Holidays Safety and Security Webinar Series, de...
Welcoming, Inclusive & Prepared
This session addresses critical emergency preparedness considerations for all congregants, with a focus on elderly attendees, individuals with mobility challenges, families with children, neurodiverse members and caregivers. The program features experts who implemented a practical, inclusive model, offering lessons and best practices for easy adoption in your own community. As we approach the High Holidays, proactive planning is essential to ensuring our communities remain safe, welcoming, and p...
Power of Hello Training
The Power of Hello training equips you with the knowledge and skills to observe and evaluate suspicious behaviors. It empowers you to mitigate potential risk by knowing when to seek additional help. When used effectively, the right words can be a powerful tool. As we approach the High Holidays, proactive planning is essential to ensuring our communities remain safe, welcoming, and prepared. The Secure Community Network (SCN) is pleased to announce our 2026 High Holidays Safety and Security Webin...
Power of Hello Training
The Power of Hello training equips you with the knowledge and skills to observe and evaluate suspicious behaviors. It empowers you to mitigate potential risk by knowing when to seek additional help. When used effectively, the right words can be a powerful tool. As we approach the High Holidays, proactive planning is essential to ensuring our communities remain safe, welcoming, and prepared. The Secure Community Network (SCN) is pleased to announce our 2026 High Holidays Safety and Security Webin...
Ensuring Readiness, Security and Empowerment for the High Holidays
Is your community ready for the High Holidays? Securing Our Space offers practical guidance to strengthen both physical security and personal preparedness. Learn how to implement layered security measures, keep your emergency supplies accessible and empower your community to respond confidently and effectively during an incident. As we approach the High Holidays, proactive planning is essential to ensuring our communities remain safe, welcoming, and prepared. The Secure Community Network (SCN) i...
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.
