By Sam Fisher, Cincy Jewfolk

A Springboro man faces charges of ethnic intimidation and menacing following an incident outside a Jewish school in Golf Manor. Jackson Mettler, 19 of Springboro, was charged in connection with a May 4 incident at Yeshivas Lubavitch Cincinnati on Section Road.

“A Jewish child should be able to walk to school without being threatened for being Jewish,” said the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati in a statement. “That is unacceptable in our city.”

According to court documents, Mettler yelled “F— the Jews“ and “Free Palestine“ at a victim outside the school. He also told the victim, “If I were you, I’d get my a– back inside.“ The victim reentered the school, fearing for his safety and the safety of other students.

“Free speech is protected,” the Cincinnati Jewish Federation’s noted. “Threatening a child is a crime. When threats against a Jewish child are wrapped in the language of political protest, that is antisemitism. The criminal charge reflects that line.“

Ethnic intimidation can result in a first-degree misdemeanor or a fifth-degree felony conviction in Ohio. Mettler was released from jail without having to post bond.

To read the complete June 2026 Dayton Jewish Observer, click here.