Michael Kedar, the dual American-Israeli citizen known as the “Ashkelon Hacker,” has been extradited to the United States and made his first appearance in federal court in Orlando, Florida. Kedar, 27, previously served seven years in prison in Israel for issuing terror threats against Jewish institutions and is now facing a new federal indictment in the United States over similar allegations.

Federal prosecutors accused Kedar of carrying out hate crimes and interfering with the religious freedoms of members of the Jewish community by targeting institutions across Florida, including Jewish community centers, schools, and preschools. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the alleged offenses were conducted using sophisticated technology from his home in Ashkelon.

If convicted, Kedar could face a lengthy prison sentence of up to 35 years. The Justice Department said each hate-crime charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years, each bomb-threat count carries a maximum of 10 years, and interstate-threat charges carry penalties of up to five years.

In addition to possible prison time, the court could order Kedar to pay restitution to institutions and individuals affected by the threats. While Kedar has already completed a seven-year sentence in Israel for terror threats directed at Jewish institutions, U.S. authorities contend that he also committed similar crimes targeting Jewish organizations in Florida.

Justice Department officials condemned the alleged actions in strong terms. An assistant attorney general said, “The crimes stand out for their cruelty and the damage they caused to the Jewish community. When someone uses technology to terrorize houses of worship and community centers, it is an attack on religious freedom and public safety.”

The prosecutor continued, “We will not forget the families, the staff members, and the emergency responders who were forced to live under these threats.”

Federal prosecutors in Florida likewise emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating that “Intentional targeting of individuals, groups, or institutions because of their religious beliefs is contrary to the freedoms enshrined in the American Constitution. The acts caused unnecessary fear and will not be tolerated.”

Kedar’s extradition marks the latest chapter in a long-running legal saga that has already resulted in years behind bars in Israel. He now faces a new battle in the American court system and the possibility of a substantial additional prison sentence if convicted of the charges related to threats against Jewish institutions in Florida.

{Matzav.com}