The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia are grateful to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Honorable Mark A. Kearney for holding Clift A. Seferlis accountable through today’s sentencing.

Between April 2024 and June 2025, Mr. Seferlis sent six letters and one postcard containing threatening and hateful messages directed at members of The Weitzman’s staff. These communications were intended to intimidate the individuals who work at the museum and disrupt a place dedicated to sharing Jewish history and culture with the broader public.

According to investigators, Mr. Seferlis also targeted Jewish institutions in Washington, D.C., and other communities through a broader campaign of threatening communications. It is critically important that those who seek to intimidate Jewish institutions are identified, investigated and held accountable.

The Weitzman and the Jewish Federation are grateful for the swift and coordinated response from law enforcement and community security partners that ensured these threats were taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.

We are especially appreciative of the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as well as the Secure Community Network (SCN) and other security partners who work every day with Jewish institutions to strengthen safety, preparedness and resilience across our community. This case underscores the importance of strong coordination between Jewish communal security organizations and law enforcement in responding to threats against Jewish institutions.

Located on Independence Mall, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History tells the story of Jewish life in America and the many ways Jewish communities have helped shape our nation. The Weitzman and the Jewish Federation remain committed to ensuring that Jewish institutions nationwide and in Greater Philadelphia continue to be welcoming, vibrant places where people can gather safely and proudly.

Acts intended to intimidate or silence our community will not deter that mission. Together, we remain committed to ensuring that Jewish life in Greater Philadelphia continues to thrive with pride and confidence.

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About the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
Since 1901, the Jewish Federation has served as the hub of the region’s Jewish communities, providing an infrastructure of support for Jewish people and organizations in need. Through grants, emergency funding, restricted gifts, endowments, and our partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools, we annually invest in caring for those in need, combating antisemitism and global crisis, and securing a vibrant Jewish future. For more information, please visit: jewishphilly.org.