May 2, 2025 | 4 Iyar 5785
Candlelighting 7:59 p.m. | Havdalah 9:03 p.m. | Vol. 68, No. 18 | pittsburghjewishchronicle.org
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Pittsburgh defendants tied to Chabad of anti-Zionist extremism, accused Squirrel Hill of building destructive devices nears completion on $2M remodel
NOTEWORTHY LOCAL A legacy of leadership
E.J. Strassburger honored by The Branch
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LOCAL Love from around the world
New stained glass windows and custom cabinetry provide the backdrop to Chabad of Squirrel Hill's renovated sanctuary.
Photo courtesy of Chabad of Squirrel Hill
“Lessons from The Tree of Life”
Courtesy photos
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By David Rullo | Senior Staff Writer
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LOCAL A hero’s story
Saving lives on Oct. 7
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FOOD Savory supper recipe
Salmon and dilled cucumber salad
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federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment against three Pittsburgh residents, charging them with conspiracy, defacing and damaging religious property, making false statements and possession of destructive devices. The nine-count indictment, announced April 23 by the Western District of Pennsylvania’s U.S. Attorney’s Office, identified the defendants as: Mohamad Hamad, 23, of Coraopolis; Talya A. Lubit, 24, of Pittsburgh; and Micaiah Collins, 22, of Pittsburgh. Both Hamad and Lubit were indicted previously for their roles in defacing Chabad of Squirrel Hill’s building and a Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh sign with pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist graffiti. Lubit is Jewish. According to the indictment, Hamad made false statements while seeking top-secret clearance as a member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard assigned to the 171st Maintenance Squadron and stationed in Moon Township. Hamad lied about his loyalty to the United States, according to the indictment, telling his interviewer that “his ultimate allegiance is to the United States,” despite telling others on multiple
occasions that his loyalty was to Palestine and Lebanon, and sharing various pro-Hamas and pro-Hezbollah content. “He openly expressed support for Lebanon, Hezbollah and Hamas,” acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti, said in a news release. “In addition to his previously charged role in defacing Jewish religious property, he conspired with others named in the Superseding Indictment to manufacture and detonate destructive devices.” Hamad has a history of posting antiIsrael rhetoric and support for terrorist organizations online. On June 6, 2024, he posted to his Instagram account a picture of himself as a juvenile holding a firearm and stated, “Been toting that K since I was a boy, don’t play with me.” On the same day he sent Collins, via the encrypted message app Signal, a message which included another image of him holding a firearm and the text, “Been a terrorist since I was a kid in Lebanon, real sh--.” According to the complaint, Collins replied “i love it . . . ” On June 18, Hamad wrote Collins on Signal telling her that he had received chemicals — Indian black aluminum powder and potassium perchlorate KCIO4 — that could be used to Please see Defendants, page 10
By Adam Reinherz | Senior Staff Writer
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ollowing more than 18 months of renovations, Chabad of Squirrel Hill’s building is nearly complete and set to welcome generations of worshippers and learners. The remodel of the building on Beechwood Boulevard, which formerly housed New Light Congregation, emphasizes light and space. The project involved a “major transformation,” according to Jed Cohen, a construction manager who participates in Chabad of Squirrel Hill programming. Months before Chabad entered into a contract with G6 Builders, a Pittsburgh-based construction company, Cohen was tapped by Chabad’s co-Director Rabbi Yisroel Altein to serve as “de facto project manager.” Cohen, who said he happily accepted Altein’s offer, interviewed contractors, negotiated bids, reviewed invoices, oversaw weekly inspections and prepared a punch list of items that remain unfinished. Having seen the project to its near completion — a chandelier will be installed in the coming week, Altein said — Cohen is proud of the beautified space. “For me personally, I like having a place Please see Chabad, page 10
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The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and Chabad of Squirrel Hill were vandalized on July 29 by Mohamad Hamad and Talya Lubit, according to prosecutors