A Massachusetts man who made chilling threats against synagogues, including the killing of Jewish children, has been convicted by a federal court and could face a lengthy prison sentence at a moment when antisemitism is on the rise.

The Justice Department announced on Monday that John Reardon of Massachusetts pleaded guilty to charges of threats against Jewish communities in federal court.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said that the threats made by this defendant to kill Jewish children and bomb synagogues stoked fears among congregants, at a time when Jews already face a disturbing rise in threats.

Reardon left a voicemail at an Attleboro, Massachusetts synagogue on the morning of January 25. The message included violent threats.

Reardon left a violent voicemail within 10 minutes after leaving a message at Congregation Agudas Achim.

Reardon was arrested by the authorities after the calls. Investigators discovered that Reardon called the Israeli Consulate in Boston 98 different times between October 7, 2020, and January 29, 2019. Reardon made statements that were intended to intimidate or harass people in many of these calls. This is according to a press release from the Justice Department.

Reardon could face up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $750,000 for his threats and harassment.

Antisemitic incidents have increased since the Gaza Strip war began on October 7, 2023. Since then, pro-Hamas activists have staged marches in college campuses and on city streets. Jews in the United States have been targeted for violence and harassment.

Many have expressed concern about the possibility that an increase in antisemitism on digital platforms will lead to increased violence. CyberWell’s report showed a 36.6% increase in antisemitic material.

An alleged Hamas member was arrested in the first week of this month after he vandalized Jewish buildings using antisemitic graffiti. The suspect, a former Pennsylvania Air National Guard soldier, made donations to Democratic politicians.

Mohamad A. Hamad and Tayla Lubit are accused of targeting the Chabad of Squirrel Hill on July 29 2024 and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. Each location was defaced by graffiti that displayed phrases and symbols associated with the terrorist group Hamas.

After an FBI investigation, surveillance footage, and other evidence linked the suspects with the incident, the FBI filed charges including conspiracy and defacing of religious property.

According to the criminal complaint, the graffiti on the Chabad house read “Jews 4 Palestine”, next to a red triangle inverted, which is a pro-Hamas symbol used in many pro-Hamas protests throughout the country.

FBI Special Agent Brian Collins said, “The graffiti was directly painted below a sign that read ‘Chabad Squirrel Hill.’ It was also a few feet from a large Menorah – a Jewish religious icon. The Jewish Federation sign was also defaced with the words “Hate Zionists, Fund Genocide Jews” spray painted in red.

Donald Trump, the President-elect Donald Trump, has promised to take action against antisemitic people and groups that encourage or participate in violent actions against Jewish Americans.