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The Pittsburgh Jewish community’s response to the tragic massacre in 2018 offers profound
lessons on safety and security for the Jewish community. In the wake of the October 7 Hamas
terrorist attacks on Israel and the rising tide of antisemitism, threat incidents, and suspicious
activity against Jews across the U.S., these lessons have become even more critical.

On February 21 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Landmark’s Ritz Five (214 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106), the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, in partnership with HBO and the
Secure Community Network (SCN), is hosting a screening of “A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh
Synagogue Shooting.”

Following the screening, the Jewish Federation will hold a panel discussion with survivors of the
shooting and security experts, including:

  • Stephen Weiss, Survivor of the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting
  • Brad Orsini, Senior National Security Advisor at SCN and former SCN/Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Security Director.
  • Jason Holtzman, Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish of Federation of Greater Philadelphia.
  • Abbey Krain, Senior Associate Regional Director ADL and former Executive Director of Temple Sholom in Broomall.
  • Scott Kerns, Moderator, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Security Director and former FBI special agent with over 25 years of experience.

The day after the screening, February 22, Kerns will also be leading two security training
sessions
for local Jewish agencies and congregations.

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Press Coverage
To cover and attend this screening, press is required to RSVP by 4:00 p.m. on February 21
by emailing: phillyfed@redbanyan.com.

About the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
Since 1901, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has served as the hub of the region’s
Jewish communities, providing an infrastructure of support for Jewish people and organizations
in need. Through grants, emergency funding, restricted gifts, endowments, and our partnership
with the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools, we invest more than $61 million each fiscal year to
care for those in need, combat antisemitism and global crisis, and strengthen Jewish identity.
For more information, please visit: jewishphilly.org.