Full Breakdown
Dual U.S.-Israeli Citizen Extradited to Face Hate-Crime Charges Over Bomb Threats to Jewish Institutions
6/23/2026, 11:34:20 AM
Extradition and Federal Indictment
Michael Ron David Kadar, 27, a U.S.–Israeli citizen, was arraigned in Middle District, Florida on hate-crime, bomb-threat and obstruction-of-religion charges. Prosecutors say he made bomb and active-shooter threats in early 2017 against Jewish community centers, schools, preschools and the Anti-Defamation League across Florida. A conviction could bring up to 35 years.
Prior Convictions and International Pursuit
Kadar served seven years in an Israeli prison after a 2018 conviction for 2,000 false threats to Jewish sites. After release he sought asylum in Norway, was denied, and was extradited to U.S. on June 18, arriving in Orlando for hearing.
Timeline of Key Actions
Jan-Mar 2017: FBI logged 245 threats to Florida Jewish sites. Jun 2018: Israeli court convicted Kadar on extortion offenses. 2022-23: Norway denied asylum. Jun 18 2024: Extradition; Jun 24 2024: Orlando arraignment.
Scope of Threats and Legal Exposure
The indictment cites 245 threatening calls in 2017 and Kadar’s admission of 2,000 bomb threats. Charges carry 20-year hate-crime, 10-year bomb-threat and 5-year interstate penalties.
Official Responses and Criticism
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva called alleged crimes “cruel” and an attack on religious liberty. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe said targeting institutions “contradicts the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution.” FBI Special Agent Rodney E. Crawford pledged to “utilize full extent of our resources to restore safety and security.” Kadar’s defense cites autism, a reported brain tumor and his claim the threats were made “out of boredom.” Prosecutors argue targeting Jewish sites is a hate crime.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on number of threats. FBI documents record 245 calls targeting Florida Jewish sites in 2017, while Kadar’s admission references 2,000 bomb threats made globally.
Upcoming Proceedings
Kadar’s trial is set for 2024 in Orlando. Florida case proceeds with charges in Georgia and D.C. A conviction could lead to sentencing in 2025, with the Justice Department stressing deterrence of hate-motivated cyber threats.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When technology is exploited to terrorize houses of worship and community centers, it is an attack on religious liberty and public safety. We will never lose sight of the families, staff, and first responders who were forced to live with these threats.” — A. Tysen Duva, Assistant Attorney General
- “Targeting individuals, groups, or institutions for their religious beliefs is contradictory to the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and against the law,” — Gregory W. Kehoe, U.S. Attorney
- “The FBI takes all threats seriously and will always utilize the full extent of our resources to restore safety and security,” — Rodney E. Crawford, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Tampa Field Office
- “out of boredom.” — Michael Ron David Kadar (court admission)
