US Man Charged in Firebomb Plot Linked to Extremist Jewish Group
A man charged with plotting to firebomb the home of a pro-Palestine activist has ties to a group whose leaders endorse violence against Palestinians and have hosted a convicted terrorist who fundraises for a violent settler movement in the occupied West Bank.
Group's Violent Rhetoric and Connections
Video recordings by the group, known as the JDL 613 Brotherhood, reveal an obsessive hostility toward New York's mayor, Zohran Mamdani. The organization's founder, Yisrael Yaacob Ben Avraham, has labeled Mamdani a "Muslim terrorist" and a "cancer," claiming his election signals a "creeping Islamic takeover of America."
Alexander Heifler, identified by law enforcement as a JDL 613 member, was arrested last month after FBI and New York police agents thwarted an alleged plan to attack activist Nerdeen Kiswani's home with molotov cocktails. In response to inquiries, Yisrael Yaacob stated that Heifler "was a member for a short period of time" but emphasized that the group does not condone illegal violence, requiring members to sign an anti-terrorism statement.
Historical Context and Ideology
The JDL 613 Brotherhood presents itself as a revival of the Jewish Defense League (JDL), founded by Meir Kahane, which the FBI once called a "rightwing terrorist group." The number 613 refers to the commandments in Judaism. Yisrael Yaacob has used the attention from Heifler's arrest to sell merchandise with slogans like "Jewish Power" and graphics of a skull with a Star of David.
Professor Arie Perliger, an expert on Jewish extremism, noted that Kahane's ideology centered on "Jewish vengeance and a militant approach towards the enemies of Judaism," but stressed that such views remain a minority within the Jewish community.
Eliminationist Language and Responses
In podcasts, JDL 613 leaders have used genocidal rhetoric. Eliezer Ben Avraham, a co-host, declared, "There's no innocent civilians in Gaza. They're all Amalek. Amalek must be wiped out." Yisrael Yaacob echoed this, calling Palestinian Americans "vile" and "evil." When asked, he stood by his statements.
Kiswani, the targeted activist, denied allegations of antisemitism, stating her criticism is directed at Zionism and Israel, not Jews. She reported receiving threats from individuals associated with JDL 613 and condemned the group's dehumanizing rhetoric.
Links to Convicted Terrorist and Settler Movement
The group's podcasts have featured Chaim Ben Pesach, a former JDL chairman convicted for bombings targeting Soviet and Egyptian interests. Ben Pesach now fundraises for the Hilltop Youth, a violent settler movement. Yisrael Yaacob described him as a mentor and average member.
Rabbi Moshe Parry, a regular contributor, provided theological justifications for expelling non-Jews from Israel, claiming all Arabs must leave the land. This aligns with the group's advocacy for annexation and expulsion.
Group's Formation and Recruitment
JDL 613 was founded in late 2024 to revive Kahane's vision. Filings show it was registered in February 2026, shortly before Heifler's arrest. The group claims chapters in multiple states and internationally, though its membership numbers are vague, with videos showing small gatherings at events like anti-Mamdani rallies.
Yisrael Yaacob, a convert to Judaism, has called for pre-emptive violence, citing Talmudic wisdom as a "battle plan." Eliezer Ben Avraham, also a convert with a criminal past, has advocated for annihilating Palestinians with no mercy.
This case highlights the ongoing influence of extremist ideologies and their potential to inspire violent acts in the United States.
