Jewish Federation of the Berkshires: Resilience and Renewal

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m., Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will present "Resilience and Renewal: Forging the Jewish Future," featuring educator, writer, and advocate Aviva Klompas. 
 
This in-person event will be held at Temple Anshe Amunim, 26 Broad Street in Pittsfield. Register on the calendar of events page at jewishberkshires.org.
 
According to a press release:
 
In a moment marked by war, rising antisemitism, heartbreak, and profound uncertainty, Jewish communities are searching for language, meaning, and direction. Klompas will offer a timely "Jewish state of the union for our time," sharing frameworks to help communities process the challenges of the past two years and reflections on how we can summon the courage, clarity, and collective strength needed to meet this moment. The program will invite participants to reflect, connect, and envision a resilient Jewish future grounded in shared responsibility and purpose.
 
Aviva Klompas is the co-founder and CEO of Boundless, which partners with community leaders to revitalize Israel education and take bold collective action to combat antisemitism. She previously served as Director of Speechwriting for Israel's Permanent Mission to the United Nations and as a senior policy advisor in the Ontario government, supporting efforts to resettle Syrian refugees in Canada.
 
A writer, Klompas has contributed to The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Foreign Policy, The Jerusalem Post, and other international publications. 
 
She is the author of "Speaking for Israel," reflecting on Israeli diplomacy and her work at the United Nations, and Stand-Up Nation: Israeli Resilience in the Wake of Disaster, which explores Israel's longstanding work in international development and crisis response.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

UPDATE: Juvenile in Custody After Arrest Warrants Issued for Pittsfield Shooting

Staff reportsiBerkshires

Updated on 08252026 at noon: Pittsfield police provided an update indicating a juvenile allegedly connected to the shooting is in custody.


PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police were granted arrest warrants for two people suspected to be responsible for the Aug. 16 shooting on Francis Avenue. 

Jason Wright, 41, and an unnamed juvenile are charged with assault and battery, discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, and possession of a gun without an FID card or license to carry. 

On Aug. 16, near 211 Francis Ave., three individuals suffered gunshot wounds and were all transported to Berkshire Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. This is one of four gun violence incidents on city streets this summer. 

Police say two of the individuals who suffered gunshot wounds are the subjects of the arrest warrants.

"I first want to commend the Pittsfield Police Department on solving this case in just eight days. They, along with members of the Task Force who provided support when needed, worked around the clock to identify those responsible," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue wrote on Monday. 
 
The DA said he understands that Pittsfield remains on edge, and said he is fully committed to providing resources, including funding for overtime and State Police detective resources, to support the Pittsfield Police Department as it continues its active investigations into the June 18, Aug. 4t, and Aug. 16 shootings. 

"No stone will be left unturned. If you bring violence and guns to our county, you will be held responsible to the greatest extent of the law," he wrote. 

The first arrest warrant issued is for a juvenile. The juvenile is charged with:

  • Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
  • Attempted murder
  • Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
  • Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
  • Possession of a firearm without an FID card/license to carry
  • Possession of ammunition without an FID card/license to carry

The second arrest warrant is for Jason Wright, 41, with a last known address on Woodlawn Avenue. Wright is charged with:

  • Attempted murder
  • Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a firearm
  • Two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, to wit a Firearm
  • Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling
  • Possession of a firearm in commission of a felony
  • Possession of a firearm without an FID/LTC
  • Possession of ammunition without an FID/LTC

There have been four gun violence incidents in Pittsfield since mid-June, leaving one person dead and a total of seven injured. Additionally, a Lanesborough man is facing multiple charges for allegedly shooting a gun near homes and a road while intoxicated on Sunday. 

On June 18, a person died after being shot in the area of Tyler Street and Pleasure Avenue, and another person was injured. Following an extensive investigation, police on June 23 had an arrest warrant out for Terry Martizna, 35, on a charge of murder.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories