March 20, 2026 | 2 Nissan 5786
Candlelighting 7:14 p.m. | Havdalah 8:14 p.m. | Vol. 69, No. 12 | pittsburghjewishchronicle.org
NOTEWORTHY LOCAL Conditioning arms sales to Israel
Pittsburgh Jewish organizations Adam Forgie awarded more than $1.7 million drops out of in state security funding District 12 Democratic primary By David Rullo | Senior Staff Writer
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Deluzio signs on to Block the Bombs Act
administration has more than doubled the amount of state funding available each year in the program. It is estimated that more than 7 million people have been impacted by the grants. The funding was awarded to nonprofits, including faith-based institutions, community centers and other organizations and facilities that principally serve individuals, groups or institutions included within a “bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents, as identified by the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics publication,” according to the statement. The money will be used for security enhancements including safety and security planning and training, the purchase of safety and security equipment and technology, upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security, as well as vulnerability and threat assessments. “All Pennsylvanians deserve to worship peacefully, no matter what you look like where you are from or who you pray or do not pray to,” Shapiro said. “That’s why we have more than doubled the Commonwealth’s investment in the nonprofit security grants
ongressional hopeful Adam Forgie has dropped his challenge to Rep. Summer Lee in Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District. Forgie, who called himself a “traditional blue-collar Democrat,” entered the race nearly a year ago, telling the Chronicle that Lee had taken the Democratic party “so far to the left it doesn’t represent what it is to be a true Democrat.” The now-former congressional candidate is the mayor of Turtle Creek and teacher in the Woodland Hills School District. He had pledged to visit all 47 communities in Allegheny County and 16 in Westmoreland County that are part of the district. During the last year, Forgie became a staple at Jewish events, including the Jewish Community Center’s Big Night earlier this month, in contrast to Lee, who has been absent from local mainstream Jewish gatherings and who has not responded to requests to speak with the Chronicle. Forgie also visited Poland with Classrooms Without Borders. He said the experience led to his belief that Holocaust education should be taught in every school and should be federally funded. He also has stated that Israel has an absolute right to defend itself. “I am 100% committed to standing with Israel, whether I’m elected or not,” he said. “That’s who I am.” In the statement announcing his withdrawal from the race, Forgie expressed regret about his decision, but also said he was grateful for those who supported his campaign. “Many circumstances have brought me to this decision,” he said.
Please see Security, page 13
Please see Forgie, page 13
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LOCAL Chaplain of the Year
Honoring Abby Mendelson
Photo by pixinoo via iStock
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LOCAL
GIFT’s intergenerational event
By David Rullo | Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle
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An educational model seder
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LOCAL Celebrating Jewish pride
Online influencer comes to Hillel JUC Page 17
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he Josh Shapiro-Austin Davis administration has announced nearly $11 million in funding to combat hate crimes and enhance security at 191 nonprofit and faith-based organizations in Pennsylvania. The funding was awarded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, which Davis, the state’s lieutenant governor, chairs. “The Shapiro-Davis administration remains dedicated to creating a Pennsylvania where everyone feels safe, valued and able to access services free from hate or violence,” Davis said. He added that the strong demand for the program makes it clear that the need for the funding is ongoing and that the PCCD is proud to continue “this critical support to communities across the commonwealth.” In a statement announcing the funding, the PCCD noted that this is the eighth cohort of the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program and that it has provided $35 million in support to more than 600 unique organizations across Pennsylvania. Over the last three years, the Shapiro-Davis
Summer Camp Guide Special section begins on page 8
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