Bnei Brak set to implement gender segregation on two main streets — report

Bnei Brak, a predominantly ultra-Orthodox city in northern Israel, is preparing to introduce gender-separated sidewalks on two major thoroughfares, Shlomo Hamelech and Ezra streets, according to a report published by The Times of Israel. The initiative follows a directive from the city’s religious authorities, who have mandated the installation of barriers and signage to enforce strict separation between male and female pedestrians. This development comes amid ongoing tensions between religious law and civil rights, particularly regarding gender segregation in public spaces. The plan, which has been under consideration for several years, aims to create designated walking areas for men and women, preventing them from crossing paths. City officials have stated that the rabbis’ instructions are unequivocal and that the local population, known for its deep commitment to religious traditions, will adhere to these guidelines. A formal notice issued by the municipality urged all residents to follow the new rules, emphasizing compliance with the guidance of Torah leaders. This move echoes similar efforts in other Israeli cities, though it faces legal and social challenges. In 2017, the Israeli Supreme Court ruled against gender segregation in Beit Shemesh, ordering the removal of modesty signs that had divided streets into male and female zones. That decision was based on the principle that such practices violate constitutional rights to equal treatment under the law. However, Bnei Brak differs from Beit Shemesh in composition: while the latter includes a more diverse population of ultra-Orthodox, modern Orthodox, and secular residents, Bnei Brak is overwhelmingly ultra-Orthodox, with approximately 231,000 inhabitants. This demographic concentration may make enforcement of such measures more feasible within the community. Critics, including Yael Yechieli, director of the 5050 initiative, a group advocating for gender equality in Israel, have condemned the proposal. She argues that the policy reflects a broader attempt to marginalize women and warns that without intervention, segregation could become entrenched. “Religious leaders want to exclude women from everywhere,” she said, adding that the decision-making process in Bnei Brak was dominated by men, leaving little room for female perspectives. She called for public resistance to prevent the expansion of segregated spaces. The proposed changes are expected to be implemented soon, with potential future expansions to other high-traffic streets in the city. While the exact timeline remains unclear, municipal officials have indicated that the project is moving forward with urgency. The city’s leadership maintains that the measure aligns with longstanding religious norms and that the community is prepared to uphold these standards. Supporters of the initiative argue that the policy respects traditional values and ensures a safe environment for both men and women. They point to the city’s religious character as justification for enforcing such practices. However, opponents stress that such segregation can lead to increased social isolation for women and limit their access to public life. Legal experts suggest that the move could face scrutiny, given the precedent set by the Supreme Court’s 2017 ruling in Beit Shemesh. As preparations for the implementation proceed, the situation in Bnei Brak continues to draw attention from both local and national levels. The outcome of this effort may influence similar initiatives in other communities, highlighting the complex interplay between religious authority, civil rights, and urban governance in Israel. For now, the focus remains on the practical steps being taken to enact the new policy.