Please Be Aware
We closely monitored the events of the Feb 25th “National Day of Hate” with Jewish security professionals and law enforcement, and did not receive any reports of threats, incidents, issues, or events. At this time, no known related incidents or activities materialized in the Pittsburgh area or across the country.
Local police have been made aware of Purim events and celebrations, and we have requested additional patrols at our Pittsburgh Jewish organizations.
The federal Non-Profit Security Grant Program (NSGP) is now open with a total of $305 million available this year. Please let us know if you need help with this. Find more information at pema.pa.gov →
Join the Secure Community Network (SCN) and The Jewish Federations of North America for a discussion with Mark Silveira from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), on FY2023 NSGP updates and guidance. Register for this webinar online →
On March 14th from 1p-4p ET, the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) will hold an encore webinar on Mass Attacks in Public Spaces: 2016-2020. This study examines 173 mass attacks from 2016-2020 in public and semi-public spaces, including businesses, restaurants, bars, retail outlets, houses of worship, schools, open spaces and more. Register on govdelivery.com →
Security Matters in the News This Week
- Jewish Community, Law Enforcement Respond with Preparedness, Unity to Extremists’ ‘National Day of Hate’ (hstoday.us → )
- New Jersey Assesses Homegrown Violent Extremists, White Racially Motivated Extremists to Be Highest Terror Threats (hstoday.us → )
- Michigan AG says she was among those targeted in threat to kill Jewish members of state government (cnn.com → )
BluePoint Status
Our BluePoint training video and refresher video are available on YouTube. These are useful for new staff or as a reminder for existing staff.
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.- Seasonal Safety Strategies
- Protecting Your Place of Worship
- Supporting Your Congregation
- Leading With Confidence and Care
Who Should Attend
Faith-based leaders, staff, volunteers, and concerned members.Two Convenient Sessions Available
Morning: 9:00 AM to Noon Evening: 6:00 to 9:00 PM Let’s work together to ensure a safe and peaceful holiday season.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.- Seasonal Safety Strategies
- Protecting Your Place of Worship
- Supporting Your Congregation
- Leading With Confidence and Care
Who Should Attend
Faith-based leaders, staff, volunteers, and concerned members.Two Convenient Sessions Available
Morning: 9:00 AM to Noon Evening: 6:00 to 9:00 PM Let’s work together to ensure a safe and peaceful holiday season.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 NetworkBeAware™: 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 NetworkNEW: De-Escalation Training
Please contact Erin Fagan at efagan@jfedpgh.org or 412-992-5252 to schedule this training.
Situational Awareness, Active Threat, and Usher/Greeter Training
If you or your organization have not yet had these training modules, please contact Erin Fagan at efagan@jfedpgh.org or 412-992-5252. All can be made available in person or via Zoom.
If you need more Emergency Safety Procedures Flip Charts contact Erin Fagan at efagan@jfedpgh.org or 412-992-5252.
