February 7, 2025 | 9 Shevat 5785
Candlelighting 5:28 p.m. | Havdalah 6:29 p.m. | Vol. 68, No. 6 | pittsburghjewishchronicle.org
Federation’s community security director provides annual security assessment
NOTEWORTHY LOCAL Meet Libby Cohen
Combating campus antisemitism LOCAL
P at the University of Pittsburgh; the arrest of an Upper St. Clair resident who tried to join Hezbollah; anti-Zionist graffiti painted on the buildings of Chabad of Squirrel Hill, Federation and at private residences; and the theft of a plaque at Taylor Allderdice High School that was dedicated to the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting. Several high-profile arrests were made in 2024, including that of two people who spray painted anti-Zionist graffiti at Chabad of Squirrel Hill and the Federation, and former City of Pittsburgh employee Mario Ashkar on ethnic intimidation charges. Brokos said the arrests show the continued partnership between community members and law enforcement. To that end, 2024 saw the creation of Federation’s Virtual Block Watch, a network of community members who have registered their residents as locations with cameras and agreed to provide video to law enforcement and the Federation if needed. The program, Brokos said, provided valuable information when Chabad of Squirrel Hill was vandalized. In addition to the Virtual Watch Program, Brokos said Federation increased training
ittsburgh City Council has passed two pieces of legislation it hopes will prevent groups like Not On Our Dime from introducing referendums that would prevent the city from doing business with Israel or any company conducting business with the Jewish state. The two ordinances, which would add questions to the May 20 ballot, were approved during a Feb. 4 regular council meeting. The first ordinance asks voters to decide if Pittsburgh’s Home Rule Charter should be amended to prohibit discrimination “on the basis of race, religion, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or expression, disability, place of birth, national origin or association or affiliation with any nation or foreign state in conducting business of the City.” It was approved unanimously by the council. The second ordinance asks voters if the Home Rule Charter should be amended to prohibit “the use of the Home Rule Charter Amendment process to add duties or obligations beyond the lawful scope of the city’s authority.” It was approved by a vote of 6-2. Councilmember Deb Gross, District 7, voted no. Councilmember Barb Warwick, District 5, which includes Squirrel Hill, attempted to abstain but her vote was recorded as a no vote because, according to council rules, in a final vote an abstention is recorded as a no vote. Warwick attempted to explain her vote by saying she was concerned about the current federal government and the effects of the bill.
Please see Security, page 10
Please see Council, page 10
Choosing to be chosen
p The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and Chabad of Squirrel Hill were vandalized on July 29. Courtesy photo Page 3
LOCAL Making the case for Israel
War expert John Spencer visits Pittsburgh Page 4
LOCAL A new understanding of love
Rabbi Shai Held on reclaiming tradition Page 5
City Council sends legislation meant to stop BDS referendum to mayor’s desk for signature By David Rullo | Senior Staff Writer
Page 2
Converting post-Oct. 7
$2
By David Rullo | Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle
J
ewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Community Security Director Shawn Brokos met earlier this month with more than 50 Jewish leaders from across the region to give her annual security assessment, looking back on 2024 and providing a glimpse into what the community can expect in 2025. There were 283 antisemitic incidents reported to Pittsburgh’s Federation in 2024, Brokos reported, down from 300 in 2023. Those numbers, though, come with a caveat. Brokos said 2023 was a high-water mark in antisemitic activity. The spike was originally believed to be associated with the conclusion of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial. “We thought we would see a plateau,” Brokos said, “and then Oct. 7 hit.” After the terrorist group Hamas invaded Israel, there was a surge of incidents reported to the Federation. “We saw a 30% increase from just Oct. 7 to Dec. 31, 2023, and then, what we’ve seen is a continued high pace of incidents,” Brokos said. “I think 300 is our new normal.” Incidents that garnered attention this year included attacks on Jewish students
keep your eye on PittsburghJewishChronicle LOCAL
Inclusion at Temple Ohav Shalom
FOOD
Super Bowl subs
WINE
Kosher wine tasting