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
A Compassionate Community Response to People with Mental Illness
Pittsburgh, PA 15219 United States + Google Map
Assessing Risk, Avoiding Bias, and Accessing Resources
Dealing compassionately and effectively with individuals with mental illness is a challenge for Jewish communal professionals, and with the upcoming trial of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter, we need these strategies now more than ever. Although safety is everyone’s concern, unusual behavior is not necessarily a security risk (no matter what’s happening in the community) and it’s important to know where to get help for someone who’s in distress. The Federation, in collaboration with The Branch, JFCS, and the 10/27 Healing Partnership is inviting you to a lunch and learn program for Jewish communal professionals on Wednesday, April 19th, that addresses:- The Security Perspective
- Behavior that may occur and de-escalation techniques
- Mental Health Resources
- Open discussion for facilitated problem solving
Advanced Community Active Threat Training (CATT)
Pittsburgh, PA 15220 United States + Google Map
This free, three hour course addresses the mind of an active shooter, predator versus prey, situational awareness, and survival mindset. It focuses on basic self-defense using techniques such as Krav Maga and is hands on for those wishing to do so. It explores weapons awareness and disarming techniques. The last portion of the class builds on skills learned adding more advanced defensive tactics to include team tactics and reality based training.
NEW: 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.
