A 25-year-old man, Jonathan Toubes, was arrested on Thursday for allegedly making violent threats outside Temple Moses in Miami Beach during Yom Kippur. According to WSVN, Toubes, who lives near the synagogue, is accused of shouting that he hated Jews, threatening to blow up the building, and making other disturbing remarks.
Toubes had previously been arrested two weeks earlier for harassment outside the synagogue during Rosh Hashanah. Victims told WSVN that he had been following families and shouting threats at them, causing concern among congregants.
Miami Beach Police said they were called to the synagogue around 3:30 p.m. after security personnel and congregants reported Toubes’ return. Local 10 reported that some children were seen removing their yarmulkes out of fear while Toubes filmed the synagogue and argued with security guards.
Toubes appeared in bond court yesterday, where WSVN reported testimony from victims and synagogue leaders about repeated threats. Police have set his bond at $100,000, and he remains in custody.
According to Local 10, Miami Beach Police said they will increase staffing during the High Holy Days, and city officials are considering additional security measures around places of worship.
