Threats At Ohio Synagogues: Cleveland Man Sentenced

CLEVELAND — Abdulrahman Abulkhalil was sentenced Wednesday for leaving anti-Semitic and threatening messages for two local synagogues: University Heights Jewish Center and Temple Israel Ner Tamid, in Mayfield Heights.

Abulkhalil sentence for one count of harassment was a $700 fine, 180 days in jail, and four years of probation, Fox 8 reported. The second count of harassment produced an identical sentence, with all but $500 being suspended.

University Heights Prosecutor Mike Astrab told Patch that the city is very happy with Wednesday's ruling, noting that officials had asked for the maximum possible sentence for Abulkhalil. "This was, effectively, the maximum possible sentence," he said.

"We hope this sends a message to anyone else that may try to do this. You will be found and you will be punished," Astrab said.

Rabbi Raphael Davidovich, Mara d’Asra of Heights Jewish Center said the messages Abulkhalil left were "both disturbing and anti-Semitic" on his temple's website, News 5 reported. The Jewish Federation of Cleveland did not respond to Patch's request for comment on Abulkhalil's sentencing.

He was arrested in April after an investigation by Mayfield Heights and University Heights police departments, with an assist from the Jewish Federation of Cleveland's security team. Abulkhalil pleaded no contest to the charges of telephone harassment.

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