BOSTON (Reuters) – A Massachusetts man has admitted to making alarming threats against Jewish individuals and religious institutions, highlighting a disturbing surge in antisemitism across the United States in the aftermath of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which escalated profoundly following the outbreak of violence in October 2023.
During a court hearing held at a federal facility in Boston, John Reardon, 59, entered a guilty plea concerning his menacing threats to bomb Congregation Agudas Achim and to harm children, as reflected in a menacing voicemail message he left for the Attleboro-based synagogue in January of this year.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland condemned Reardon’s actions, stating, “This defendant’s threats to bomb synagogues and kill Jewish children stoked fear in the hearts of congregants at a time when Jews are already facing a disturbing increase in threats,” emphasizing the broader context of rising antisemitism in America.
Prosecutors revealed that Reardon left a two-minute voicemail in which he articulated his threats, stating: “you do realize that by supporting genocide that means it’s OK for people to commit genocide against you.”
Notably, minutes after leaving the message for the Attleboro synagogue, Reardon contacted another synagogue in Sharon, Massachusetts, where he made chilling threats of “killing all Jews” and spoke horrifyingly about “stomping their babies dead into the ground.” These alarming statements were documented in court records and formed part of the evidence against him.
Following his arrest in January, authorities uncovered other instances in which Reardon made harassing and intimidating comments during various calls, underscoring a broader pattern of disturbing behaviors that officials take seriously amid increasing threats to Jewish communities.
As part of a plea deal, prosecutors will recommend that Reardon receive a sentence of up to 2½ years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Julia Kobick has scheduled his sentencing for August 14, a date that will mark another moment in this troubling chapter of rising antisemitism and community fears.
(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by David Gregorio and Jacqueline Wong)
How can communities effectively respond to and combat the growing threat of antisemitism in today’s society?
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Cohen, Antisemitism Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Cohen. We recently learned about a Massachusetts man, John Reardon, who pleaded guilty to making threats against a Jewish synagogue, which has raised alarms amid a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents across the U.S. What can you tell us about the broader context of antisemitism today?
**Dr. Cohen:** Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed concerning. In 2023, antisemitism in the United States surged to alarming levels, with over 8,800 incidents reported, marking an increase of 140% compared to previous years [[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/16/us/adl-antisemtism-2023-audit-reaj/index.html)]. This uptick is not just statistical; it reflects a genuine atmosphere of fear and hostility, especially among Jewish communities.
**Interviewer:** It seems the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas has exacerbated these tensions. How are international events impacting domestic antisemitism?
**Dr. Cohen:** Absolutely, the conflict has had a ripple effect. Events like the recent violence have intensified existing prejudices and grievances, leading to more aggressive and visible acts of antisemitism. The threats made by individuals like Reardon are part of a worrying trend where people feel emboldened to express these harmful sentiments, sometimes in violently threatening ways [[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/16/us/adl-antisemtism-2023-audit-reaj/index.html)].
**Interviewer:** Can you discuss the implications of these threats not just for the victims but for the community at large?
**Dr. Cohen:** Certainly. Threats like these create a pervasive atmosphere of fear within the community—not just for those directly threatened but for all individuals identifying as Jewish. This can lead to significant psychological stress and a feeling of vulnerability in what should be safe spaces, such as synagogues [[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/16/us/adl-antisemtism-2023-audit-reaj/index.html)].
**Interviewer:** U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has condemned such actions, emphasizing the fear they instill. What role does government response play in addressing this issue?
**Dr. Cohen:** Government response is crucial. Condemnation from high-profile officials like Garland sends a powerful message that antisemitism will not be tolerated. It can help reassure affected communities that their safety is taken seriously, but it is also vital that this condemnation is accompanied by actionable steps—such as increased security for places of worship and educational programs addressing antisemitism and its roots [[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/16/us/adl-antisemtism-2023-audit-reaj/index.html)].
**Interviewer:** Dr. Cohen, thank you for your insights. As we see the rise in these incidents, it’s essential to continue the conversation and work towards solutions that promote safety and understanding in our communities.
**Dr. Cohen:** Thank you for highlighting this issue. It’s critical we remain vigilant and supportive of those affected while striving for a more inclusive society.