18-Year-Old Israeli-US Citizen Charged with Jewish Center Threats, Cyberstalking

Michael Ron David Kadar, 18, a dual citizen of the United States and Israel, has been charged with orchestrating a campaign of terror against Jewish Community Centers in Florida, as well as conveying false information to Georgia police and engaging in cyberstalking. The Justice Department announced today that Kadar was arrested in Israel in connection with these crimes.

According to federal complaints filed in Orlando and Macon, Kadar is accused of making multiple bomb threats and active shooter threats to Jewish Community Centers between January 4, 2017, and March 7, 2017. The threats forced the temporary closure and evacuation or lockdown of many targeted facilities.

In Georgia, Kadar faces charges for a phone call he made on January 3, 2017, to a police department, falsely reporting an emergency situation at a private residence in Athens that turned out to be unfounded.

Attorney General Sessions emphasized the Department’s commitment to combating all forms of violent crime, stating that these threats instilled terror and disrupted communities. FBI Director Comey highlighted that such behavior is a federal crime and praised international cooperation in apprehending Kadar.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Tom Wheeler of the Civil Rights Division condemned the threats as an attack on society’s fabric and vowed to investigate and prosecute those responsible. Acting Assistant Attorney General Blanco praised the investigative team for identifying and apprehending the suspect despite his efforts to conceal his identity.

The charges reflect a joint effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. U.S. Attorneys Muldrow and Peterman emphasized the importance of community safety and expressed pride in the Department of Justice’s relentless pursuit of justice.