Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh

Painting hate

Jewish woman pleads guilty to antisemitic vandalism at Chabad of Squirrel Hill

By David Rullo

Lubit will pay nearly $11,000 in restitution as part of her plea agreement

May 15, 2025, 8:55 pm

Jewish woman pleads guilty to antisemitic vandalism at Chabad of Squirrel Hill

Lubit will pay nearly $11,000 in restitution as part of her plea agreement

By David Rullo

May 2, 2025, 11:12 am

Pittsburgh man who claimed ties to Hamas held without bail pending trial

All three defendants in the case — including a Jewish woman and a pastor’s daughter — plead not guilty.

By Toby Tabachnick

Israeli flag. (Photo by cottonbro via Pexels)

April 18, 2025, 3:31 pm

Pittsburghers asked to celebrate Israel’s independence ‘now more than ever’

'It's important for the community to come together to make their voices loud and clear that they stand with Israel'

By Adam Reinherz

Community Day School. (Photo courtesy of Community Day School)

April 17, 2025, 9:10 am

If we want Jewish life to survive, we must invest in the living

Jewish continuity has never come from educating others about our suffering. It always comes from educating our children about their story, faith and future.

By Mendy Cohen

David Knoll points out the red inverted triangle spray painted on Chabad of Squirrel Hill’s building in July 2024 (Photo by David Rullo)

April 9, 2025, 5:03 pm

New evidence revealed against defendant in Chabad and Jewish Federation vandalism case

Defendant seeks release from home detention; prosecutors object

By Toby Tabachnick

City Controller Rachael Heisler speaks at the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh on April 1. (Photo by Adam Reinherz)

April 3, 2025, 10:39 am

Salisbury and Heisler champion democracy, allyship and safety at Jewish Federation forum

'Anytime you can get a group of folks in a room to actually be able to talk to people who are doing the work in government, that's incredibly key'

By Adam Reinherz

March 28, 2025, 3:42 pm

Misgav mayor visits Pittsburgh, envisions stronger partnership

'It can be done in all kinds of ways, but it can't be done quickly...It has to be tended and developed. It has to be watered'

By Adam Reinherz

Community Relations Council Director Laura Cherner (left) stand with attorneys Efrem Grail, Carolyn McGee and Ronald Hicks, StandWithUs Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Julie Paris and Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh President and CEO Jeff Finkelstein after the defeat of a BDS referendum that would have asked Pittsburgh residents to bar the city from doing business with the State of Israel. City Council has introduced ordinances to stop similar referendums to alter the city's Home Rule Charter. (Photo provided by Julie Paris)

March 12, 2025, 4:36 pm

In praise of heroes

Pittsburgh is fortunate to have so many capable people who are committed to the well-being of our city and the safety of its Jewish constituents.

(Back row): Rabbi Dan Fellman, Jeremy Kazzaz, Ron Hicks, Carolyn McGee, Bryan Neft. (Front row left to right): Jeff Finkelstein, Laura Cherner, Julie Paris (Photo courtesy of David Heyman)

March 11, 2025, 10:43 am

After court challenge, BDS referendum fails to reach ballot

“We’re not going to prolong the process,” Chuck Pascal, an attorney for Not On Our Dime, told McVay in court.

By David Rullo

March 7, 2025, 11:49 am

Proposed anti-Israel referendum fails

Not On Our Dime acknowledged it did not collect the requisite number of signatures to get the referendum on the ballot

By Toby Tabachnick

The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh (Photo by Adam Reinherz)

February 28, 2025, 3:18 pm

Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh awards over $500,000 in community grants

“I’m proud to say that we are doing that by supporting these important initiatives that not only address antisemitism but also strengthen Jewish identity and community."

By David Rullo

Rabbi Seth Adelson, Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh President and CEO Jeff Finkelstein and Rabbi Yitzi Genack are all challenging for a second time a referendum that would prohibit the city of Pittsburgh from doing business with Israel. (Photo by David Rullo)

February 26, 2025, 2:57 pm

Jewish Federation, city controller challenge BDS referendum question

“If this proposal were to become law, it would significantly disrupt the City’s ability to provide the essential services that residents rely on."

By David Rullo

Dean Aseef, an Israeli shaliach (emissary) in Pittsburgh, spoke about hostage Alon Ohel at a vigil to mark 500 days since Oct. 7, 2023. (Photo by Toby Tabachnick)

February 20, 2025, 3:05 pm

Pittsburgh vigil marks 500 days of mourning, prayer and solidarity

“This has been what Jews have lived throughout history, celebrating in times of joy and standing together in difficult times." — Jeff Finkelstein, Federation president and CEO

By Toby Tabachnick

Zoe Bluffestone (left) was a member of Rekindle Fellowship’s ninth cohort. She will co-moderate the organization’s Pittsburgh cohort beginning this spring. (Photo by Mariana Edelman Photography)

January 28, 2025, 12:36 pm

Rekindle Fellowship looks to reconnect Jewish and Black communities

“We really need to stick together. A lot of the roots of antisemitism are also applied toward racism and other forms of bigotry.”

By David Rullo

Jeffrey Finkelstein, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, gives a statement after the jury's eligibility decision in the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting trial on Thursday, July 13, 2023, outside Joseph F. Weis Jr. U.S. Courthouse, Downtown. The jury found the gunman eligible for the death penalty. (Emily Matthews/Pittsburgh Union Progress)

January 27, 2025, 11:09 am

Jeff Finkelstein marks 20 years as Federation CEO

“I’m blessed to have this job,” Finkelstein said. “I love what I do most days and wake up inspired to do more."

By Deborah Weisberg