Alleged Neo-Nazi Sentenced to 5 Years for Threatening Georgia Lawmaker and Rabbi

Ariel Ramos sent antisemitic postcards after rabbi testified in support of bill defining antisemitism

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A 32-year-old North Carolina man named Ariel Ramos has been sentenced to five years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for sending threatening antisemitic postcards to a Georgia state representative and a Macon synagogue rabbi. The postcards were sent after the rabbi testified in support of a Georgia bill defining antisemitism, which was sponsored by the state representative.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of antisemitism and hate crimes targeting Jewish individuals and institutions, even at the highest levels of state government. The sentencing sends a strong message that such threats and intimidation tactics will be met with serious consequences.

The details

Ramos sent the threatening postcards to Rep. Esther Panitch, Georgia's only Jewish state House member, and Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar of Temple Beth Israel in Macon. The postcards depicted Jewish people as rats and referenced Zyklon B, one of the gases used to kill Holocaust victims. Ramos was found guilty of one count of mailing threatening communications with the addition of a hate-crime enhancement.

  • In January 2024, Rabbi Bahar testified in support of Georgia House Bill 30, a bill defining antisemitism.
  • Ramos sent the threatening postcards to Rep. Panitch and Rabbi Bahar in 2024.

The players

Ariel Ramos

A 32-year-old man from High Point, North Carolina, who was convicted of sending antisemitic threats.

Rep. Esther Panitch

The only Jewish member of the Georgia state House, who sponsored a bill defining antisemitism.

Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar

The rabbi of Temple Beth Israel in Macon, Georgia, who testified in support of the bill defining antisemitism.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to spread hate and intimidate our elected officials and religious leaders.”

— U.S. Attorney Peter Leary (Atlanta News First)

What’s next

The judge will determine whether Ramos will be allowed to serve his sentence in a federal prison close to his home in North Carolina.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of legislation and law enforcement action to combat the rising tide of antisemitism, which threatens the safety and security of Jewish communities across the country.