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Saturday, December 20, 2025
Police open investigation after woman blows out Hanukkah candles in Tel Aviv mall
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Police have opened an investigation after a woman was caught on security cameras blowing out Hanukkah candles at a shopping center in Tel Aviv, Haaretz reports.
No arrests have been made.
While police have not yet determined the exact criminal charge, the report says they are considering whether the act violates the law prohibiting the destruction or desecration of a place of worship or sacred object with the intent to insult a religion.
If convicted, the woman could face up to three years in prison.
The woman is seen on CCTV blowing out the candles, to the applause of her companion, before walking away. She then returns to blow out the final flame, filming herself doing so on her cellphone.
The incident takes place at the Weizman Mall, which adjoins Ichilov Hospital.
המשטרה חוקרת תיעוד שבו נראית אישה מכבה נרות חנוכה בקניון בתל אביב. האישה שצולמה בקניון ויצמן בתל אביב נראית נושפת על נרות של חנוכייה שהוצבה. במשטרה צפויים ליחס לה עבירה של "עלבון דת", שהעונש המקסימלי שלה הוא שלוש שנות מאסר. האישה טרם נעצרה@_Gitsis_ | https://t.co/nGXEyi85Ku pic.twitter.com/dEVA8a4RrW
— החדשות – N12 (@N12News) December 19, 2025
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