Authorities in Hanau, Germany, are investigating a disturbing case of antisemitic vandalism after dozens of cars and buildings were found defaced with swastikas made using human blood. The discovery came late Wednesday night when a resident reported seeing the symbol drawn on a vehicle’s hood, prompting police to launch an extensive search across the city.
Investigators soon uncovered nearly 50 vehicles, mailboxes, and building walls marked with the same blood-red symbol. Forensic experts later confirmed that the substance used in the graffiti was indeed human blood, deepening the sense of horror and disbelief among locals.
By Thursday morning, police had taken a suspect into custody—a 31-year-old Romanian man living in Hanau. His arrest came after a witness tip led officers to his residence. According to police, he appeared intoxicated and bore self-inflicted wounds at the time of his detention. He is now undergoing psychiatric assessment as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police spokesman Thomas Leipold said the man’s motive did not appear to be politically driven but rather linked to personal struggles. “He just snapped,” Leipold stated, while emphasizing that further details could not be released due to privacy laws.
The suspect’s name has not been made public, in accordance with Germany’s strict data protection regulations. Authorities noted that the display of Nazi symbols, including swastikas, constitutes a criminal offense under German law.
Hanau’s mayor, Claus Kaminsky, voiced outrage over the desecration, calling it particularly painful given the city’s tragic past. “Swastikas have no place in Hanau,” he said, describing the act as one that “crosses every boundary of decency and humanity.”
Kaminsky’s remarks reference the 2020 racist mass shooting in Hanau, where nine people of immigrant background were murdered, leaving deep scars on the community. City officials have since filed a formal criminal complaint, vowing to ensure justice is served and to reaffirm Hanau’s stance against hatred and extremism.
{Matzav.com}
The Trump Administration is poised to unveil a new addition to the Abraham Accords on Thursday evening, according to Reuters. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced during the America Business Forum in Miami, “Tonight, we will announce the joining of an additional country to the Abraham Accords and normalization with Israel.”
Reports out of Israel suggest that the nation in question is Kazakhstan. Channel 12’s Amit Segal noted that while Kazakhstan already maintains diplomatic relations with Israel, the move would serve as an important symbolic gesture reinforcing the expanding reach of the accords.
Israel and Kazakhstan have enjoyed formal ties for more than three decades. The Israeli embassy in Kazakhstan was established in 1992, followed by Kazakhstan’s embassy in Tel Aviv in 1996. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Central Asian nation in December 2016, and a year later, Kazakhstan lifted visa requirements for Israeli citizens, easing travel between the two countries.
The Abraham Accords, first brokered in 2020 near the conclusion of the first Trump Administration, represented a groundbreaking step in Middle East diplomacy. They created official peace and normalization agreements between Israel and four Arab and Muslim-majority nations — the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.
If confirmed, Kazakhstan’s inclusion would mark the first new member of the accords in five years, underscoring continued momentum for regional cooperation and a growing alignment with Israel across the Muslim world.
{Matzav.com}
Israel is poised to launch one of its most ambitious immigration incentives in years, as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich rolled out a new tax reform aimed at easing the financial burden for olim chadashim (new immigrants). The plan, part of the upcoming state budget, is expected to receive swift approval and deliver major tax benefits to Jews moving to Israel.
At its core, the reform seeks to make aliyah more attractive by offering generous tax relief while fostering smoother integration into the workforce and business landscape. The initiative arrives at a time of intensifying global antisemitism and shifting tax climates abroad, such as in the United Kingdom. Israel’s economic planners view this as a golden opportunity to draw skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors who can strengthen the nation’s economy and deepen its Jewish character.
The reform was presented at a joint event organized with Nefesh B’Nefesh and attended by top officials across the finance and aliyah sectors. Among them were Minister Smotrich, Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer, Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovich, Finance Ministry Director-General Ilan Rom, Aliyah and Integration Ministry Director-General Avichai Kahana, Jewish Agency aliyah head Eran Berkowitz, and Nefesh B’Nefesh CEO Rabbi Yehoshua Fass. Speakers at the gathering described the new policy as a powerful expression of Zionism in action — one that would not only bolster Israel’s economy but also renew the national mission of bringing Jews home.
Under the proposed tax framework, benefits will start at up to 0% in 2026 and 2027, rise to 10% in 2028, 20% in 2029, and reach 30% by 2030. The exemptions will apply to income of up to ₪1 million annually.
In addition to the new tax brackets, olim will continue to enjoy existing incentives — including a 10-year exemption on foreign income and the established tax credit points already available to new immigrants and returning residents.
Smotrich, who has repeatedly framed economic reform as part of a broader Zionist vision, praised the initiative in bold terms. “Zionism has always been built on three pillars: settlement, security, and aliyah. Over the past two years, we have invested heavily in security, and thank God, Israel is in a different place today. In settlement, we are leading a revolution – in Judea and Samaria, the South, the North, the Negev, the Galilee, and the Golan.”
He continued, “The year 2026 will bring a revolution in aliyah – not as a slogan, but as a practical plan of action.” Calling on Jews abroad to take advantage of the opportunity, he added, “I call upon Jews in the Diaspora and Israelis abroad: come home. My thanks to Minister Ofir Sofer for his partnership, to Tax Authority Director Shay Aharonovich for leading the professional work, and to Nefesh B’Nefesh for its years of dedication to encouraging Aliyah and strengthening Israel’s Jewish identity.”
Aliyah and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the long-term national impact of the move. “Over the past three years, we have strengthened and rebuilt Israel’s aliyah and integration infrastructure. Today we are adding a major and meaningful component to our national effort to encourage aliya.”
He went on to thank his colleagues, adding, “I am grateful to Minister Smotrich and all our partners for their productive collaboration. This is a data-driven and comprehensive initiative, designed to ensure optimal absorption for new olim, create real opportunities for their integration into Israeli society, and contribute to economic growth.”
Sofer concluded by underscoring the broader purpose of the reform: “Aliyah holds profound Zionist, social, and economic significance for the State of Israel. It strengthens our social fabric, brings high-quality human capital, and boosts growth, innovation, and national development.”
With this landmark reform, Israel is not merely adjusting its tax code — it is signaling a new chapter in the country’s historic commitment to building a homeland for every Jew who wishes to call it home.
{Matzav.com}
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has announced that she will withdraw from direct involvement in the ongoing Sde Teiman investigation, handing responsibility for supervision of the case to the State Prosecutor’s Office.
Her decision came in the wake of an internal legal opinion issued by Yael Kotik, the Justice Ministry’s legal adviser, who concluded that Baharav-Miara’s continued participation could present a serious conflict of interest.
Kotik explained her reasoning in a formal letter to the Attorney General, writing: “At this stage, the Attorney General must refrain from participating in the oversight and supervision of the ongoing investigation. This cautious position in no way casts doubt or expresses any stance regarding the Attorney General’s involvement in the process, but is solely intended to ensure the independence of the investigation, even in terms of public perception.”
The ruling intensified an already heated public debate. Critics and petitioners have pressed Israel’s Supreme Court to disqualify Baharav-Miara from the case, arguing that her oversight could compromise the impartiality of the probe.
Adding to the procedural developments, Supreme Court Deputy President Justice Noam Sohlberg earlier on Wednesday approved Baharav-Miara’s request for extra time to respond to those petitions. She was granted until 10:00 p.m. Thursday to submit her formal reply.
The Attorney General’s recusal marks a significant shift in a case that has already drawn intense scrutiny and political controversy, as the justice system seeks to reassure the public of its independence and transparency.
{Matzav.com}
[COMMUNICATED]
Chavra D’Hilchisa marked a major milestone this week with an uplifting siyum and recognition evening celebrating a year of structured, accountable limud Halacha Lemaaseh, and immediately launched its second year with great excitement and momentum.
Under the leadership of Rav Daniel Glatstein, the program has emerged as a premier framework for baalei batim seeking disciplined growth, clarity, and real achrayus in Halacha. The first year culminated in a heartfelt gathering where participants reflected on how consistency, exams, and guided learning transformed their daily schedules and spiritual lives.
Rabbi Rafi Amar, Mashgiach of the program, praised the extraordinary commitment of participants who balanced demanding work and family lives with steady Torah study. “This was a life-shaping decision,” he said. “They built limud HaTorah with structure and accountability into their everyday lives, and that’s where true growth begins.”
Program Director Rabbi Yonason Rosenblum highlighted how incremental effort in learning Torah brings profound transformation. “Even small steps in disciplined learning change who a person is,” he said. Participant testimonials echoed that theme, sharing how the program reignited their love for learning and reshaped their entire week.
Delivering the keynote, Rav Glatstein urged attendees to continue “disrupting” their routines for Torah. “You are trailblazers,” he said. “Ohev Hashem she’arim ha’metzuyanim ba’halacha mikol mishkenos Yaakov—Hashem loves those who make Halacha their gateway to Him.”
Just days later, Chavra D’Hilchisa opened its second year with the inaugural shiur in Hilchos Taaruvos – Issur V’Hetter, again led by Rav Glatstein. Participants joined from across the United States and abroad, eager to begin another year of clarity and kinyan in Halacha. With its blend of structured learning, rigorous standards, and warm chizuk, Chavra D’Hilchisa continues to attract serious lomdim who want to master Halacha and live it more fully.
As the new cycle begins, excitement is building—and there are still a few spots available for this year’s program. For information or to register, visit chavra.net, call 347-459-7352, or email admin@chavra.net.
