Police open investigation after woman blows out Hanukkah candles in Tel Aviv mall
Suspect could face up to three years in prison if police find she violated religious desecration law; no arrests have been made
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Police opened an investigation after a woman was caught on security cameras blowing out Hanukkah candles at a shopping center in Tel Aviv, Hebrew media reported Friday.
No arrests have been made.
While police have not yet determined the exact criminal charge, the reports said 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 was seen on CCTV blowing out the candles to the applause of her companion before walking away.
She then returned to blow out the final flame, filming herself doing so on her cellphone.
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
The incident occurred at Weizmann Mall, part of Ichilov Hospital.
The Times of Israel Community.