Please Be Aware
We continue to see violent, targeted antisemitic attacks across the country, two notable events this week were in Los Angeles and Cleveland.
- Two Jews shot while leaving Los Angeles synagogue, suspect detained (jpost.com → )
- South Euclid police investigating gun incident outside Arova (clevelandjewishnews.com → )
Several known antisemitic, white supremacist, and neo-Nazi groups have encouraged their followers to participate in a “National Day of Hate” on February 25th. The event has been promoted in online channels and is meant as a call to action for followers to conduct in-person propaganda efforts across the US, similar to efforts observed from these groups in the past. The antisemitic activity will likely include in-person demonstrations, flyering, stickering, banner drops, and vandalism. We are not aware of any specific, credible threats to the Pittsburgh Jewish community. If you see any suspicious activity, call 911 (if appropriate) and notify us.
The PCCD State Security Grant is now open. If you are interested in applying and would like help, contact Erin Fagan at efagan@jfedpgh.org or 412-992-5252.
SCN will be hosting a series of webinars in the coming weeks to help prepare for the 2023 Non-Profit Security Grant Program (NSGP), information and registration can be found here. We anticipate the grant opening in late February/early March. Register on securecommunitynetwork.org →
Security Matters in the News This Week
- FBI informs public on violent extremism before trial of accused synagogue shooter (jewishchronicle.com → )
- Someone displaying a swastika appeared on a Zoom call at the statehouse. Now the meetings might not resume (kcci.com → )
- Anti-Semitic vandalism reported at University of Denver (9news.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.
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.
