PITTSBURGH — The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh announced expanded security measures across regional Jewish institutions ahead of Rosh Hashanah, which begins the evening of Sept. 11.
The security efforts follow two months of planning and coordination with local law enforcement, requesting increased police patrols near approximately 30 Jewish community locations. The Federation is also using state grant funding for private contract security and off-duty police officers, while sharing information with the FBI.
Shawn Brokos, director of community security for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, emphasized that the measures are precautionary.
“We want our community to walk into the holidays with confidence, not concern,” Brokos said. “This is not a response to a heightened threat. It is a heightened level of preparedness, the result of months of planning and close coordination with our law enforcement partners. Pittsburgh’s Jewish community should feel free to gather, pray and celebrate this season.”
The expanded preparations occur amid broader national security trends for Jewish institutions. According to data from the Jewish Federations of North America, Jewish institutions across the United States spend more than $1 billion annually on security. Recent FBI data showed that anti-Jewish hate crimes accounted for 64% of all religiously motivated hate crimes in 2025, despite Jewish Americans making up roughly 2% of the population.
Local institutions in Greater Pittsburgh have made significant financial investments in physical safety. The Federation spent $450,000 directly on security during fiscal year 2026. In addition, 30 local institutions received a combined $1.7 million this year through the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program out of 32 that applied. Earlier in 2026, three of seven faith-based organizations supported by the Federation received related state grant funding.
David Knoll, associate vice president of public affairs for the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, noted the financial impact these security expenditures have on community programming.
“Every dollar our community spends on guards, cameras and training is a dollar that could otherwise go toward Jewish day schools, camps or programs that serve people in need,” Knoll said. “We are making these investments because the safety of our community comes first.”
Security investments have funded physical infrastructure upgrades throughout the region. Currently, 36 locations across Greater Pittsburgh are equipped with the Bluepoint system, an emergency technology that communicates directly and immediately with local police during an incident.
The Federation is advising community members to report any suspicious activity to 911 for immediate emergencies, as well as to local law enforcement and Federation officials. Brokos highlighted the community’s history of standing together during challenging times.
“Pittsburgh’s Jewish community has faced difficult moments before and has always responded with solidarity and resilience,” Brokos said. “That continues now. We thank our law enforcement partners for standing with the Jewish community and we wish everyone a meaningful and safe Hashanah.”
The Federation will brief local congregations directly prior to the holidays and maintain coordination with area police departments throughout the holiday season.
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