Suspect arrested in Israel for making threats to Jewish organizations across the United States

WASHINGTON, D.C. – An arrest has been made in Israel in connection to threats to Jewish organizations across the United State and around the world.

Early on the morning of march 23, 2017 in Israel, the FBI and Israeli National Police worked jointly to locate and arrest the individual suspected for threats to Jewish organizations across the United States and in other parts of the world. The FBI commends the great work of the Israeli National Police in this investigation.

Investigating hate crimes is a top priority for the FBI, the FBI says.

“We will continue to work to make sure all races and religions feel safe in their communities and in their places of worship. At this time, we cannot provide additional information on the investigation.”

Reportedly, the unnamed suspected is a 19-year-old man with dual U.S.-Israeli citizenship.

NBC news reported that an Israeli official pointed to “dogged cyber work and IP tracing led to what he described as the ‘eureka moment’ that was the result of a 6 month intensive effort with Israeli authorities” to catch the culprit.

Threats were made in Iowa, and Mason City was not immune, although it is not clear this suspect was involved. According to Mason City police, on March 5, 2017, at 3:15 PM, it was reported “that a harassing voice mail was left on the answering service for the Adas Israel Synogogue,” located at 620 North Adams Avenue. Police say the message was left on March 4 during the day. Police have not yet indicated if this arrested suspect may have been the perpetrator.