Holocaust Survivor's Estate of $6.5 Million Awarded to Husband After Fraudulent Will

A Tel Aviv family court has overturned a will that would have left an estate valued at approximately 25 million shekels (around $6.5 million USD) to the son of a hairdresser, ruling that the man had defrauded and manipulated the Holocaust survivor and her husband. The court found that the man, who had befriended the childless couple, created a false impression of romantic feelings and a desire to help them, exploiting their trust and vulnerability.

According to the ruling, the hairdresser, who worked at a nursing home where the woman's mother resided, initiated contact with the couple. She then introduced her son, who offered services like home repairs and caregiving. Over several years, the son allegedly convinced the couple to sell two apartments for about 3 million shekels, buy him a Lexus worth 300,000 shekels, pay him 500,000 shekels for unreceipted home repairs, and lend money to his associates. He also reportedly stole funds from their bank accounts and sold gold coins worth 360,000 shekels without their knowledge.

The court determined that the man's actions went beyond undue influence, constituting serious fraud and deception. The judge stated that he "played with the deceased's mind and made her believe that he loved and desired her, all with the aim of taking possession of her money and inheritance." The will also stipulated that the husband would be evicted from their shared apartment and receive nothing.

During the woman's final days, her husband asked the man to visit and assist, given his prior promises of availability. However, the man refused, opting instead for a vacation within Israel. He even requested that the funeral be delayed until his return.

Following the woman's death, her husband challenged the will, leading to the court's decision to invalidate it. The court ruled that the estate would pass to the husband according to inheritance laws. The man was ordered to pay 250,000 shekels in legal costs to the husband, an unusually large sum reflecting the severity of the fraud. The case details have also been forwarded to the general trustee and the police.