Important Community Update

 

October 27, 2018

 

We were horrified to learn of the shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in Pittsburgh today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire Pittsburgh community. May the memories of all who lost their lives be for a blessing. We wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured.

 

Daniel Heydenrych, our Director of Security, alerted local synagogues and advised them to review and follow their established security protocols.

 

We have been in touch with local law enforcement and our understanding is that there is no increased threat to our community.The VPD has increased their patrols of Jewish community institutions as an added precaution. We would like to extend our appreciation to the VPD for their immediate response and concern for public safety.

 

Jewish Federation’s Community Security Advisory Committee is staying on top of the situation and will update Jewish community organizations.

 

Jewish Federation has taken a proactive approach to community security for many years. Our Community Security Advisory Committee sent an update to the community in the spring, which you can find here. For more information about our work in this area, please click here.

 

Sincerely,

 

Karen James 
Board Chair 

Bernard Pinsky
Chair, Security Advisory Committee 

Ezra S. Shanken
Chief Executive Officer

 

Click here to read the statement from Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA and the Centre for Israel and Overseas Affairs. Click here to read the statement from Jewish Federations of North America.